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Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi (कल चौधवीं की रात थी)
The song begins with the description of a beautiful night, which is the night of the full moon (Chaudhvin).
English Translation: "Yesterday was the night of the full moon"
Lyrics: कल चौधवीं की रात थी, और आज तुम से मुलाकात थी मैं ज़रा सा बहका बहका सा, और तुम थे शरमाते
English Translation: "Yesterday was the night of the full moon, and today I met you I was a little bewildered, and you were shy"
The song goes on to describe the romantic encounter between the two lovers.
Lyrics: तुम थे शरमाते, मैं ज़रा सा बहका नज़रें थीं चुराते, और दिल था धड़कता
English Translation: "You were shy, I was a little bewildered We were stealing glances, and our hearts were beating"
The song continues with the description of the magical moment they shared.
Lyrics: कल चौधवीं की रात थी, और आज तुम से मुलाकात थी मैं ज़रा सा बहका बहका सा, और तुम थे शरमाते
English Translation: "Yesterday was the night of the full moon, and today I met you I was a little bewildered, and you were shy"
The song also expresses the longing and yearning for the next meeting.
Lyrics: अब तो हर रात, होगी तुम से मुलाकात अब तो हर रात, होगी हमारी चौधवीं
English Translation: "Now, every night will be a meeting with you Now, every night will be our full moon night"
The song ends with the repetition of the initial lines, emphasizing the special moment they shared.
Lyrics: कल चौधवीं की रात थी, और आज तुम से मुलाकात थी मैं ज़रा सा बहका बहका सा, और तुम थे शरमाते
English Translation: "Yesterday was the night of the full moon, and today I met you I was a little bewildered, and you were shy"
Overall, "Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi" is a beautiful and romantic song that captures the magic of a special night and a memorable encounter between two lovers.
Here’s a short story inspired by the request for an English translation of the classic lyrics "Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi" (by the poet Ibn-e-Insha). The story follows a character who stumbles upon the translation and, through it, rediscovers a lost love.
Title: The Night of the Fourteenth Moon
For years, Shabnam had avoided old Urdu poetry. It wasn't the language—it was the ache that came with it. But tonight, cleaning out her late father's study, she found a brittle, yellowed diary. Tucked inside was a single page, folded into a tight square. On it, in her own college handwriting, were two lines:
"Kal chaudhvin ki raat thi, shab bhar raha charcha tera"
Beneath them, a half-finished, hesitant English translation:
"Last night was the night of the fourteenth moon, the entire night your name was whispered..."
She stopped. Her breath caught.
The rest of the page was blank—except for a faded phone number at the bottom. Kabir. She hadn't spoken that name in fifteen years.
Shabnam remembered the night she'd tried to translate those lyrics. It was a winter evening in Delhi, sitting cross-legged on Kabir's terrace. The moon had been so full and low it looked like a swollen pearl caught in the branches of the neem tree. He had recited the whole ghazal to her, his voice soft but sure.
"Last night was the night of the fourteenth moon," she had whispered back in English. "All night long, there was mention of you." kal chaudhvin ki raat thi lyrics english translation
He had laughed gently. "That's not quite right. 'Charcha' isn't just 'mention.' It's gossip, talk, a ripple that spreads without permission. Like when everyone at a wedding starts asking, 'Where is she? Have you seen her? Isn't she lovely?'"
She had tried again: "All night, the moonlit world kept murmuring your name."
Kabir had smiled—a slow, devastating thing. "Better. But you can't force Urdu into English. Some moons are only fourteen nights old. Some silences are heavier than words."
Then he'd taken her hand and said, "Shabnam, the poet isn't just saying the moon was beautiful. He's saying: I couldn't sleep. Because even the night conspired to remind me of you."
That was the night he had first kissed her. Under that impossible moon.
Now, fifteen years later, Shabnam sat on the floor of her father's study, the diary in her lap. Life had happened—a different city, a marriage that ended quietly, a child who asked hard questions about love. She had convinced herself that poetry was impractical. But here was proof: she had once tried to build bridges between languages, between hearts.
On impulse, she dialed the faded number. No answer. She left a voice mail: "Kabir. It's Shabnam. I finally finished the translation. 'Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi'... in English, it goes: 'Last night was the night of the fourteenth moon. The whole night, there was talk of you. I asked the moon for news of you, and the moon said—you are still the same. Still impossible. Still unforgettable.'"
She paused. Then, quietly: "I couldn't sleep either."
An hour later, her phone buzzed. A text: "They say the moon on the fourteenth night never dims. Neither have you. Meet me under the neem tree. Tomorrow. When the moon is full again."
Shabnam smiled, tears slipping down her cheeks. Some translations take a lifetime. But when they finally arrive, the meaning is perfect.
Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi Lyrics English Translation: Unpacking the Magic of Ghazals
Are you a fan of classic Bollywood songs and Ghazals? Look no further! Today, we're going to dive into the timeless lyrics of "Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi" and provide you with an English translation. This iconic song has been a staple of Indian music for decades, and its poetic verses continue to captivate listeners of all ages.
The Song's Background
"Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi" is a popular Ghazal song sung by the legendary Jagjit Singh. The lyrics were written by the renowned poet and lyricist, Ghalib. The song was first released in the 1980s and has since become a classic of Indian music.
Lyrics and English Translation
Here are the lyrics to "Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi" along with their English translation:
Kal chaudhvin ki raat thi, aaj baarish ki raat Dekh sakte hain, naye din ke sau daag
English Translation: Yesterday was the night of the full moon, today it's a rainy night We can see the new day's blemishes
Kal chaudhvin ki raat thi, aaj baarish ki raat Tum mere paas ho, main tumhare paas
English Translation: Yesterday was the night of the full moon, today it's a rainy night You are with me, and I am with you
Maine ek baar dekha hai, uske baad nahin dekha Tumhe har baar dekhta hoon, aur kho jaata hoon
English Translation: I saw her once, and then not again I see you every time, and get lost
Understanding the Poetry
The lyrics of "Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi" are a beautiful expression of love, longing, and the passing of time. The song's poet, Ghalib, weaves a complex tapestry of emotions, using metaphors and imagery to paint a vivid picture of the human experience.
The opening lines, "Kal chaudhvin ki raat thi, aaj baarish ki raat," set the tone for the rest of the song, contrasting the brightness of the full moon with the gloominess of a rainy night. The speaker reflects on the passing of time, noting that every new day brings its own set of imperfections. Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi (कल चौधवीं की
The Legacy of "Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi"
"Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi" has become an iconic song in Indian music, with its influence extending far beyond the realm of Ghazals. The song has been covered by numerous artists, and its lyrics have been translated into several languages.
The song's enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless themes of love, loss, and longing. The lyrics, with their poetic depth and emotional resonance, continue to captivate listeners of all ages.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi" is a masterpiece of Indian music, with its beautiful lyrics and haunting melody. We hope that our English translation of the lyrics has helped you appreciate the song's poetic depth and emotional resonance. Whether you're a fan of Ghazals or just discovering the magic of Indian music, "Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi" is a song that will stay with you forever.
Share Your Thoughts!
Have you listened to "Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi" before? What do you think about the song's lyrics and message? Share your thoughts and feedback in the comments below!
Song: Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi Movie: Fitoor (2016) Singer: Arijit Singh, Shreya Ghoshal Lyrics: Amitabh Bhattacharya Music: A. R. Rahman
Lyrics with English Translation:
Verse 1 (Arijit Singh): कल चौदवीं की रात थी (Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi) चाँद से सुंदर तुम्हारी आँखें (Chand Se Sundar Tumhari Ankhein) तुम्हारी याद में खोया रहता (Tumhari Yaad Mein Khoya Rehta)
English Translation: The night was of the fourteenth day (full moon night) Your eyes were more beautiful than the moon I remain lost in your memories
Verse 2 (Shreya Ghoshal): कल चौदवीं की रात थी (Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi) जिस रात तुमसे पहली बार मिला (Jis Raat Tumse Pehli Baar Mila) दिल की धड़कनें समझीं मैंने (Dil Ki Dhadaknein Samajhi Mainne)
English Translation: The night was of the fourteenth day (full moon night) The night I met you for the first time I understood the beats of my heart
Chorus (Both): कल चौदवीं की रात थी (Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi) तुम्हारी याद में खोया रहता (Tumhari Yaad Mein Khoya Rehta) कल चौदवीं की रात थी (Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi)
English Translation: The night was of the fourteenth day (full moon night) I remain lost in your memories The night was of the fourteenth day (full moon night)
Context and Meaning: The song "Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi" is a romantic ballad from the movie Fitoor. The lyrics describe the memory of a beautiful night when the singer met his beloved. The song's title, "Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi," translates to "The Night was of the Fourteenth Day," referring to a full moon night. The lyrics express the singer's longing and nostalgia for that special night and the person he met.
The song features Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal on vocals, with music composed by A. R. Rahman. The lyrics were written by Amitabh Bhattacharya. The song became a huge hit and is considered one of the best romantic songs in recent Bollywood history.
Poetic Devices and Literary Analysis: The lyrics of "Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi" employ various poetic devices, such as:
The song's lyrics also explore themes of love, nostalgia, and longing, making it a beautiful expression of human emotions.
Let’s break down the ghazal verse by verse, translating both the literal meaning and the poetic sentiment.
Rafi’s rendition adds a layer of sober intoxication. He sings it like a man who is perfectly sober but drunk on memory. The pauses between "Kal chaudhvin ki..." and "...raat thi" are not musical breaks; they are sighs. An English speaker listening to the translation must imagine a voice that trembles not with anger, but with the weight of beauty that hurts.
Urdu: Kahta hai har zalim sitam, lekin bura kya hai sitam Translation: Every tyrant talks about cruelty, but what is so bad about cruelty?
Urdu: Humne sitam apne kiye, pahle jawab-e-sitam kiya Translation: I have committed my own cruelties; first, I responded to her tyranny (with my own).
Interpretation: This verse is philosophically complex. The poet admits that if the beloved is cruel, he was cruel first. He is not a pure victim; he is an active participant in the toxic dance of love. He defines his own actions as "answers" to her cruelty, creating a cycle of mutual suffering.
To understand this ghazal, you must understand the power of the omitted subject. Shakeel Badayuni never explicitly says "I saw you" or "You are the moon." He describes the environment. Title: The Night of the Fourteenth Moon For
Deep Interpretation: The poet is not describing the moon. He is describing the atmosphere of absence. The night was so unnaturally bright that it felt surreal. Why? Because the beloved was not there.
In Urdu tradition, the moon is a metaphor for the beloved’s face (mah-e-zaat). When the poet says the moon was speaking, he means: The memory of you was so loud that the silence became unbearable.
Before diving into the translation, it is crucial to understand the title. "Chaudhvin ki raat" means the night of the 14th day of the lunar month. In Islamic and South Asian culture, this is the night when the moon is at its absolute fullest and brightest.
By saying "Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi" (Last night was the 14th night), the poet establishes a paradox. The night was perfect, bright, and beautiful, yet the speaker is heartbroken. The implication is clear: even the most magnificent natural beauty cannot compete with—or is cruelly juxtaposed against—the pain of separation.
Verse 1
Kal chaudhvin ki raat thi Shab bhar raha charcha tera
Last night was the fourteenth night (of the full moon), And all night long, there was talk only of you.
Kuch bolti rahi zaban-e-haal Kuch sunta raha zaban-e-khaam tera
My silent state kept speaking (of my condition), While your half-open lips kept listening.
Verse 2
Shola tha ke jal raha tha mahtaab Phaila hua paani tha mahtab tera
Was it a flame? The moonlight was burning bright, But your moonlight was like water, spreading everywhere.
Hawa ke zariye kisi ne puchha Zara dekh ke hal-e-dil-e-naashaad tera
Through the breeze, someone asked, “Look a little at the state of my sorrowful heart.”
Verse 3
Waqt-e-safha-e-jahan-e-khwaab mein Aksaariyat-e-aam tera
In the pages of the world of dreams, Your presence was in the majority (you were everywhere).
Woh shakhs jo mushkilon mein kaam aata nahi Woh khwaab tha aksar pareshan-khaam tera
That person who is of no help in times of trouble, That dream of yours was often anxious and unfulfilled.
Verse 4
Kal chaudhvin ki raat thi Shab bhar raha charcha tera
Last night was the fourteenth night, And all night long, there was talk only of you.
Few ghazals in history have captured the essence of longing, beauty, and celestial romance quite like "Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi". Written by the legendary poet Ibn-e-Insha and immortalized by the voice of Jagjit Singh, this masterpiece remains a favorite for poetry lovers around the world.
The poem uses the imagery of the "Chaudhvin" (the 14th night of the lunar month when the moon is nearly full) to describe a night of intoxication and sleeplessness.
Here is the English translation of the lyrics to help you appreciate the depth of these words.
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