Punjabi Vibes: A Cultural Obsession with Jugni

'Jugni' has a double meaning in Punjabi folklore. A literal translation is 'female firefly', while its meaning has also been construed in the Sufi circles to signify ‘light’. It has become more of a cultural obsession made linguistically into a Sufi song initially sung by Arif Lohar’s father, Alam Lohar, recently performed with a ‘chimta’ (traditional instrument which is tong-like in shape and made of brass jingles) and to the modernistic backdrop of Coke Studio.  Then, there are the Uncle Ji (Ji is a suffix used in order to give respect) tales of how they used to study in the post-Colonial era of the Pakistan and India separation, by using fireflies captured in jars as a source of light during periods of load-shedding which becomes the discourse of table-talk in a chai setting. Load-shedding action is to reduce the load on electricity provided by light, especially the interruption of an electricity supply to avoid excessive load on the generating plant. For that reason, it is boasted as to the great lengths they used to achieve the pursuit for the want of study and subtly hinted as to how we, the foreign born, have it very easy when it comes to learning within the English-medium language, as our first language, and, having easy access to electricity.  After all, the first command of the Quran is to read, “Iqra.” The second generation abroad-based Punjabi may think, “What better way to read, when surrounded by firefly light?" Right?

Ironically, during periods of load shedding was when the light by jugni was sought. In the darkest moments and when most needed.  A mystical experience as well as physical.  Everything is attracted to sources of light.  All of this could have happened, as difficult as it may have been!

In the spiritual journey context, the term signifies the whole of existence having little value until the Infinite Light of the True existence is cast into one’s heart; in a similar way to the firefly having light that never ceases to exist. The light of a firefly disappears at the time of dawn to reappear at night.  The essence always remains within. That is true beauty if we consider it more closely.  The creatures are of a dim light and created out of clay, though the more luminous fire is able to characterize it better.  These are the basic elements that are referred to in the Qu’ran which are cited as at the time of earliest of creation.  The slightest meditation, invocation or prayer is a release between the light and dark, to show that all things are relative. The amount of light one carries is always changing.  To carry it is in its spirit.  Early writings on Jugni are thus spiritual in nature and relate to one's understanding of the world and one's relationship with God. The term has been introduced from the teachings of Baba Bulleh Shah and popularity spread even to the screens of Bollywood.

Jugni can also be understood to all mystics who seek within.  Upon entering the inward self, the Guide heads toward the Unchangeable Light. Only this is able to purify.  The Light motif is used across most world scriptures and in all present within the sub-continent. Guru Nanak talks of the Unseen Supreme Being which can be seen via an inner light, Sufi mystics talk of Allah (God) being veiled by Light and the Gita talks of becoming what we see.  Hence, the mere contemplation of Light has an ability to transform into that energy.  

For such reasons the popularity touches the hearts of many Punjabis.  It has has become part of the defining moment in spirit and age.  It was also sung during a Jubilee celebration in Gujranwala, which followed a period of when Jubilee celebrations began in India when people started to wake up (jaagna) and became a movement of jugni.  The Sanskrit word ‘yug’, meaning life or being. It also means eternity or era. For that reason, the term extends across to all and is still relevant.

Since human institutions have failed us in trying to limit the findings of God, this is one of the only ways nothing will disappoint. When we open ourselves to the domain that is spirit, God’s gifts become abundant.  Jugni can contextualize the state of being woke, present in the moment and of a Guiding Light that leads us forward. Bring that light within.  Illuminate the world.  I’ll end this with the following quote:

    "Those who enshrine the Beloved in their hearts have both worlds at their command. Lovers remain completely intoxicated in the ecstasy of their love for the Beloved. They offer their souls to the Beloved while still living, and thus immortalize themselves in this life and in the hereafter." (Hazrat Sultan Bahu)

Transcend all boundaries.  Become immortal.  Bring light to the table.  Let it flow.

In a spin about the 'Charkha'

The word charkha which has links with Persian چرخ: charKh, wheel, which is related to the word "circle." In short, it is  hand-cranked spinning wheel used for cotton and other fiber making purposes. Within subcontinental history, Gandhi had hoped that through its implementation the independence movement would able to be established. Self - sufficiency and independence via this means is even depicted on earlier flag versions of India.

From a historical perspective, Indians were working hard to produce cotton which often was shipped to England and made into cloth. It added to insult when the British would send the cloth back to India to be sold at a price that most were unable to afford. For those reasons, Gandhi sought to evade exploitation by developing a spinning wheel that every Indian could afford within a home environment. The shackles of oppression were broken as it helped in the fight for independence. It is still used in India today. It, thereby, became a free movement that reduced competition.

For those reasons the charkha is a symbol of culture; a culture that disappeared after industrialization. Almost an obsession for many; it is a nostalgia that is carried through glorification in books, songs and pop culture that is very alive today within Pakistan. Whilst that may be the case, if one searches deeper the relevance can be applicable to everybody in their daily grind.

In Sufi poetry, it is definitely appreciation of hard work. Its significance lies in the struggle for earning good deeds in this world for the hereafter. When demonstrated often in music made by artists such as Abeda Parveen and Junoon; it often brings a level of romanticism. Whilst it mainly depicts an elderly woman who is spinning a 'charka'; she is taken to another level and is rewarded by nothing too great in this life. She strives alone, continues uneffaced but still very present and required by society. In the scheme of things, her role often gets overlooked and is yet is the very reason for the tight fabric of society being glued and held together. The monotony, simplicity, and, existential being is what connects one and can draw one to celebrate it's being.  A purpose is found in this task and she humbly submits to the role that has been apportioned to her. Within the same,there is a high level of self- reliance as nobody is by her side. She keeps looking forward without complaint and utters nothing but praise for her Lord, coupled with, a high level of optimism it seems.

For those reasons, it is truly a special wheel as it encompasses history that helped force a change in India and Pakistan. It also seeks to remind that life is a perpetual journey of birth, resurrection, and death. So, shall we spin?