The Hindu calender

 The Hindu Calendar

The earth smiles in flowers

as Chaitra heralds with joy

the birth of Lord Rama.

Vaishakha sun smiles bright,

promising cornucopia

on Akshay Tritiya.

Jyeshtha’s parched lips,

chanting Vishnu’s thousand names,

burn lifelong sins.

The dark Ashadha clouds

rain rivulets of delight.

Devotees throng Puri.

Green succulence paints

the chunris of womenfolk

swinging Sravana jhoola.

Bhadra skies are dark;

Yamuna swells to kiss the feet

of baby Krishna.

Ashvin’s moonbeams adorn

each form of Navdurga,

lighting lamps within.

Cool Karthik winds charm

the fragrant hearts of parijat;

Lord Ram comes back home.

Margashirsha’s mild sun —

seeking Krishna as a groom,

girls weave marigold haar.

Granaries brim full

in Pausha’s hush before spring;

hearths hum with promises.

Magha’s saffron tides

call pilgrims for sacred rites,

as Ganga flows on.

Palaash blooms ignite —

Radha blushes in delight,

Krishna’s Phalguna.