Bel Tai Madal—Men Behind It

The genre of Leela poetry in Kashmiri literature is said to have evolved from “Vachun’’ and we notice a boost in this experimentation  since late 1750s onwards. It, however, reached its zenith during Krishan Joo Razdan’s time though he explored the `Saguna’’ tradition of Bhakthi to its full potential. He essentially was a “Nirgunvadi’ in his spiritual practice and discipline. Since he was a “Shavite’’, he composed Leelas mostly in honour of Lord Shiva and his one particular Leela “Bel Tai Madal Vene Gulab Pamosh Daste Poozaye Laage Parm Shivas Shiv Nathas Tai….’’  has  not only become a part of folk literature of Kashmir but also of world on account of its  aesthetic and devotional sensibility. The golden voice of Ustad Mohammad  Abdullah Tibat Bakal imparted to  it  such ethereal beauty and  energy   that subsequent musical adaptations of the same  pale in comparison to Bakal’s rendition.

The Evergreen Recording

  For our esteemed readers it may be added that Tibat Bakal’s presentation was recorded in the Studios of Radio Kashmir, Srinagar and has attained a cult status among the devotees of   Lord Shiva in Kashmir.  According to  Mr Fayyaz Sheheryar, former Director General, All India Radio,this iconic Leela was composed in early sixties by Mohan Lal Aima under the able supervision of the then Programme Producer of Kashmiri Music, Qaisar Qalander.

   Coinciding with Maha Shivratri which is the premier festival of Kashmiri Pandits, the actual beauty of this festival seems to be wedded to the poetic mystical experience by Pt Krishan Joo Razdan  (1850-1926)  visible in his work Shiv Lagan. This is said to be an evolved adaptation from Urdu translation of  “Shiv Puran’’ by the poet. The elements and symbolism of a  typical Kashmiri Pandit marriage in his world famous “ Shiv Lagan Leela’’ have been imbued to the best possible outcome. An earlier generation of Kashmiri Pandit women, both young and old, would sing these Leelas and the debvotional tradition would pass on to subsequent generations. However, with the migration, it has come to a sudden halt.

 Nevertheless, Tibat Bakal’s rendition of great poet’s “ Bel Tai Madal Vene Gulab Pamosh Daste Poozaye Laage Parm Shivas Shiv Nathas Tai…. still captures the attention and the interest of the young generation . Mr Sheheryar added that Tibat Bakal imbued this Leela   with his own devotional element for Lord Shiva and legend has it that Ustad Tibat Bakal would visit the world famous shrine of Mata Kheer Bhawani at Tulmulla to witness the changing colours of the holy spring and seek blessings.

 This Leela with the  wonders of ever evolving technology  is  awaiting further repackaging so as to make it more popular among the youth. However, the original rhythm and the style is not going anywhere.

 And therein lies the hope.