Mandi (Munish Sood)
Renowned Mandyali poet and writer Vinod Bahl has brought the vibrant Mandyali dialect to life in his newly published book “Mandra-Mandra Aassa Jaana”. The book, featuring 12 songs written in Mandyali, also includes Hindi translations, ensuring its accessibility to a broader audience. It was formally launched by Lalit Kumar Awasthi, Vice-Chancellor of Sardar Patel University, Mandi.
Bahl revealed that these songs were initially penned for the Old Boys Band, which performs annually at the Shivratri Festival. Composer Umesh Bhardwaj provided the melodies for the songs, which celebrate the essence of Mandyali culture, its traditions, cuisine, attire and ancient temples.
Highlighting the rich heritage of Mandi, one of the songs vividly describes 34 of the city’s historic temples. Bahl emphasised the importance of preserving these cultural treasures for future generations, noting that while many youngsters understand Mandyali, they often lack fluency in speaking it. The inclusion of Hindi translations bridges this gap and ensures the songs resonate with a wider audience.
Cultural preservation for future generations
Speaking about his motivation, Bahl explained, “This book is a tribute to Mandyali culture and aims to keep our traditions alive. Through these songs, we have captured the essence of our lifestyle and heritage so that future generations can connect with their roots.”
The songs from the book are also featured on the popular YouTube channel “Bhata Ri Ghed”, offering another medium to explore Mandi’s cultural and historical richness. The book “Mandra-Mandra Aassa Jaana” is now available on Amazon and Flipkart, making it accessible to readers and culture enthusiasts across the country.
