“Sanson Ki Mala Pe” (साँसों की माला पे) is a rare bhajan penned by Meerabai (15th Century) in honor of her lord Krishna. The opening line translates as: ‘On the rosary of my breaths, I repeatedly remember the name of my beloved.’ This devotional song gained widespread popularity through the rendition of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan during his visit to India in 1979. Since then, it has remained a beloved piece, often included in bhajan (devotional songs) and qawwali concerts.
The song’s emotive rendition and profound lyrics have resonated deeply with listeners, thriving as both a Sufi and bhajan due to the shared spiritual and cultural values between Hinduism and Sufism. Both traditions emphasize love, devotion, and the quest for union with the divine. Sufi music, with its soulful melodies and poetic lyrics, appeals to the spiritual sensibilities of many Hindus. The inclusive and universal nature of Sufi music transcends religious boundaries, making it accessible and appealing to people of various faiths.
This rendition begins in the same way that Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan often starts in his live concerts:
आ पिया इन नयनन में
जो पल्क डाप तोहे दू
ना में देखू गैर को
ना में तोहे देखन दू
Aa Piya In Nainan Mein
Jo Palk Dhamp Tohe Loon
Naan Mein Dekhoon Gair Ko
Naan Mein Tohe Dekhan Doon
O beloved arise inside my eyes
Let me hold you within
I will not see any other
Nor will I let you
Language: Urdu
Lyrics: Mirabai/Tufail Hoshiarpuri
Composed: Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Arranged & Produced by: Balamurali Balu
Featuring Shivani Joshi on Vocals
Rohan Misra, Sarangi
Satya Vaidyanathan, Tabla
Sudeip Ghosh, Electric guitars
Mario Diaz, Acoustic guitars
Michael Dougherty, Bass guitar
Martín Zarzar, Drums
Audio: Aloha Sounds & Portland Center Stage
Audio Mixing & Mastering: Balamurali Balu & Rishi Varman
Cameras: Jesus Contreras, Lani Milton, Julio Romano & Karen Weliky
Light: Joel Ferraro, Portland Center Stage
Video Editing: Sam Gaty
Video Post Production: Katy Gilmore
Technical Manager: Todd Baize
Rehearsal: St. Andrew Lutheran Church
Stage Manager: Carissa Rodriguez
Location Manager: Kelsey Tyler
Executive Producer: Sankar Raman
Recorded Live in The U.S. Bank Main Stage at the Portland Center Stage, Portland, OR, USA
Recorded on September 22nd, 2023