The intoxicating allure of the mekhana, or tavern, has long held a captivating presence in Hindi poetry. This vibrant realm, often referred to as sharab khana, transcends mere physical space. It becomes a metaphorical canvas, splashed with vibrant hues of emotion, introspection, and societal commentary.
Mekhane Pe Urdu Shayari
Gam vo mai-KHaana kamii jis me.n nahii.n
dil vo paimaana hai bhartaa hii nahii.n
UNKNOWN
paimaana kahe hai ko.ii mai-KHaana kahe hai
duniyaa tirii aa.nkho.n ko bhii kyaa kyaa na kahe hai
UNKNOWN
mai-KHaane kii baat na kar vaa.iz mujh se
aanaa jaanaa teraa bhii hai meraa bhii
SHAHID KABIR
kaise band hu.aa mai-KHaana ab maaluum hu.aa
pii na sakaa kam-zarf zamaana ab maaluum hu.aa
HAFEEZ JALANDHARI
mai-KHaana salaamat hai to ham surKHii-e-mai se
taz.iin-e-dar-o-baam-e-haram karte rahe.nge
FAIZ AHMAD FAIZ
Status Urdu Poetry on SharabKhana
hai shaam abhii kyaa hai bahkii hu.ii baate.n hai.n
kuchh raat Dhale saaqii mai-KHaana sambhaltaa hai
NUSHUR WAHIDI
raqs-e-mai tez karo saaz kii lai tez karo
suu-e-mai-KHaana safiiraan-e-haram aate hai.n
FAIZ AHMAD FAIZ
haath se kis ne saaGar paTkaa mausam kii be-kaifii par
itnaa barsaa TuuT ke baadal Duub chalaa mai-KHaana bhii
ARZOO LAKHNAVI
aa.e the ha.nste khelte mai-KHaane me.n ‘firaaq’
jab pii chuke sharaab to sanjiida ho ga.e
FIRAQ GORAKHPURI
ab to utnii bhii mayassar nahii.n mai-KHaane me.n
jitnii ham chho.D diyaa karte the paimaane me.n
DIVAKAR RAHI
Mirza Ghalib’s Understanding of Sharab
For many poets, the mekhana serves as a sanctuary for unveiling the complexities of the self. Imagine the flickering lamplight illuminating faces veiled in smoke, as Mirza Ghalib, the undisputed maestro of ghazals, ponders: “If not wine, then tell me, O beloved, with what intoxication should I forget myself?” Here, the mekhana becomes a space for shedding societal masks and exploring the unfiltered depths of the soul.
The mekhana is not merely a haven for introspection; it also becomes a platform for challenging societal norms. Poets like Momin, known for his fiery verses, use the imagery of wine to symbolize liberation from social constraints. He boldly declares: “I am not one to bow before the world’s hypocrisy, let the goblet of rebellion overflow!” The mekhana, in this context, becomes a space for questioning authority and advocating for individual freedom.
Final Words: Faiz’s Perspective on Mekhana / Sharab Khana
The mekhana’s walls resonate with a spectrum of emotions. Faiz Ahmed Faiz, renowned for his poignant verses, depicts the mekhana as a refuge for the lovelorn: “Let the night deepen, let the wine flow freely, for tonight, let us drown our sorrows in its embrace.” In contrast, poets like Majaz, known for his lyrical prose, capture the joyous revelry within the mekhana: “The strains of the lute intertwine with laughter, as the aroma of wine fills the air, creating a symphony of intoxication!”
