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.