Dam Mast Qalandar
Punjabi/Urdu · Sufi devotional celebration
OPENING CHORUS · MAST QALANDAR
Dam mast qalandar, mast mast
With every breath, the Qalandar is filled with divine joy
MeaningThe heart of the chant is ecstatic devotion. 'Mast' means intoxicated or rapt; the music expresses spiritual enthusiasm rather than needing a literal drink.
Ik vird hai dam dam Ali Ali
With every breath, one remembrance: Ali, Ali.
MeaningVird is a repeated devotional phrase or invocation. The idea is that Ali's name accompanies the devotee continuously, almost like the rhythm of breathing.
Sakhi laal qalandar, mast mast
The generous red-robed Qalandar, ecstatically absorbed!
MeaningSakhi means generous, and Lal is an affectionate title associated with Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. The line praises saintly abundance and joy.
Jhoole laal qalandar, mast mast
Jhule Lal Qalandar, ecstatic, ecstatic!
MeaningThe refrain joins regional saintly names with the repeated word 'mast.' It functions as a participation-friendly shout of communal praise.
Dam mast qalandar, mast mast
With every breath, the Qalandar is filled with divine joy
VERSE 1 · KEEP CALLING ALI
Aakhi ja malanga, tu Ali Ali Ali Ali, aakhi ja malanga
Keep calling, wandering devotee: Ali, Ali, Ali, Ali!
MeaningMalang is a wandering ascetic or ecstatic devotee in South Asian Sufi settings. The instruction is to continue repeating Ali's name despite distraction or doubt.
Aakhi ja malanga, sach aape man lain ge
Keep calling, malang; in time they will accept the truth themselves.
MeaningThe line encourages persistence without expecting instant agreement. Conviction is imagined as something others may eventually recognize.
Ajj nai te kal saare Ali Ali kehn ge
If not today, then tomorrow, everyone will say 'Ali, Ali.'
MeaningThis is an expansive expression of confidence in the beloved name's power. It is devotional exuberance, not a historical prediction.
Mast mast mast mast
Ecstatic, ecstatic, ecstatic, ecstatic!
MeaningThe repeated single word builds momentum. It can serve as a musical climax for the group rather than a further proposition.
CHORUS · ECSTATIC REMEMBRANCE
Dam mast qalandar, mast mast
With every breath, the Qalandar is filled with divine joy
VERSE 2 · GRACE FOR ALL
Rabb ne kinne shaan banaye
God has created so much splendor and glory.
MeaningThe line places all beauty and greatness under divine creation. This sets up the next appeal to generosity.
Be karmaa'n te karm kamaye
Divine kindness has reached even those without merit.
MeaningThe contrast between 'be-karam' and 'karam' centers grace: blessing can exceed what anyone has earned. The singer praises compassion rather than entitlement.
Jerha vi tere dar te aaye
Whoever comes to your threshold...
MeaningThe threshold is a symbol of seeking help, grace, or refuge. Approaching the revered figure represents an act of trust.
O na kabhi bhi khaali jaaye
...never goes away empty-handed.
MeaningThe poem praises abundance and compassionate reception. 'Not empty-handed' may suggest spiritual reassurance, not necessarily material gain.
CHORUS · BREATH AFTER BREATH
Ik vird hai dam dam Ali Ali
With every breath, one remembrance: Ali, Ali.
Sakhi laal qalandar, mast mast
The generous red-robed Qalandar, ecstatically absorbed!
Jhoole laal qalandar, mast mast
Jhule Lal Qalandar, ecstatic, ecstatic!
Dam mast qalandar, mast mast
With every breath, the Qalandar is filled with divine joy
BRIDGE · INVOCATION
Aakhi ja malanga, tu Ali Ali Ali Ali, aakhi ja malanga
Keep calling, wandering devotee: Ali, Ali, Ali, Ali!
Ali Maula, Maula Ali Maula
Ali is my guide and master; Maula Ali, Maula!
MeaningMaula is a title meaning lord, master, or protector in devotional address. Repetition intensifies attachment and communal vocal response.
VERSE 3 · A PRAYER FOR GUIDANCE
Nazar karam di paa vi saayaan
Cast your gracious gaze upon me, beloved master.
Meaning'Nazar-e-karam' is a compassionate glance. A fleeting look symbolizes being recognized and blessed.
Berriyan banne dhaa vi saayaan
Bring my stranded boat safely to shore, beloved master.
MeaningThe boat is a familiar metaphor for a life in trouble and the shore for deliverance. The singer asks for guidance through difficulty.
Bhul na kidre jaawi saayaan
Do not forget me anywhere, my master.
MeaningBeneath exuberant praise lies a vulnerable fear of abandonment. The plea is for continuing remembrance and care.
Laiyaan torr nibhaavi saayaan
Honor and sustain the bond you have made with me, my master.
MeaningNibhaavi asks for steadfastness and loyalty. The singer describes devotion as an enduring relationship rather than a passing mood.
CHORUS · ALI ALI
Ik vird hai dam dam Ali Ali
With every breath, one remembrance: Ali, Ali.
Sakhi laal qalandar, mast mast
The generous red-robed Qalandar, ecstatically absorbed!
Jhoole laal qalandar, mast mast
Jhule Lal Qalandar, ecstatic, ecstatic!
Dam mast qalandar, mast mast
With every breath, the Qalandar is filled with divine joy
VERSE 4 · THE SPIRITUAL GUIDE
Shaana uchiyaan teriyan, peera
Your stature is exalted, spiritual guide.
MeaningPeer is a Sufi spiritual elder or guide. Height symbolizes spiritual standing and an ability to see beyond ordinary troubles.
Hovan door haneriyaan, peera
May the darkness around me be driven away, guide.
MeaningDarkness stands for uncertainty, distress, or ignorance. The plea imagines guidance as bringing light into a difficult time.
Aasaan hain batheriyaan, peera
I carry so many hopes, spiritual guide.
MeaningThe singer approaches with multiple hopes and needs, both worldly and inward. Aas suggests expectation anchored in trust.
Sunan ajaa ajj meriyaan, peera
Come and listen to my pleas today, spiritual guide.
MeaningThis is a direct request to be heard rather than overlooked. The personal appeal balances the public celebration of the chorus.
FINAL CHORUS
Ik vird hai dam dam Ali Ali
With every breath, one remembrance: Ali, Ali.
Sakhi laal qalandar, mast mast
The generous red-robed Qalandar, ecstatically absorbed!
Jhoole laal qalandar, mast mast
Jhule Lal Qalandar, ecstatic, ecstatic!
Dam mast qalandar, mast mast
With every breath, the Qalandar is filled with divine joy