Draft:WAZIR RAM SNEHI

Wazir Ram Snehi was a resident of Chembak village, Lahaul , Himachal Pradesh, India and lived in royal style due to his role as a tax collector, a position referred to as "Wazir." Individuals in this role held a prestigious status in the royal court. At that time, the region of Lahaul was governed by the king of the Kullu Valley.The people of Lahaul still sing about the lifestyle of Wazir Ram Snehi, a song that has achieved the revered status of "Ghure."

The text of this folk lore is as follows:-

Part I Bari e wazira e bari teri naven Bari e wazira a bari teri mesari Bari e wazira e bari teri mesari Bari e wazira e bari teri prauri E Prauri upuru e siya mukha likhi E Prauri upuru e rishi muni likhi E Prauri upuru e panja pandya hkhi E Prauri upuru e surja chanduri Hkhi Tate e upuri e appu narena hkhi Bari e zazira e bari teri prauri E Sabe Ramu sai chaura putura jami E Chaura putura e eke ranga roope E Chaura putura e baturi re vccra E Chaura putura e vara lori manguna

Part II

E Thahri na beeni e jhunderi graven A Audi na pheri e bamuneri dhare E Sehna bamuna e edure rakhi E Sehna bamuna e punchhuni lagi E Sabe Ramu sai kiji kame aye E Sabe Ramu sai kiji kame aye E Jiya mere sahibaye nusha manguna aye E Tenduna dheeva a nusha manguna aye E Bamuna bamuni e samyuna kiti E Bamuna bamuni e mane raji bhuye E Bamuna bamuni e shaguna kiti E Bamuna bamuni e shaguna kiti E Tiji barushe e byah-oto kiti E dheeva sulaki e byah-oto kiti E Deeva sulaki e roluni lagi E Mai na babu e shikha budhl diti Roye matu dheeva e suthahri byahiye Roye matu otheeva e bhale jogu byahiye Baso dheeva sulaki e chemba keri thahriye Chemba keri thahri e suthah ri bol iye

Wazir Ramu sai was a prosperous figure known for his lavish lifestyle. His residence, as grand as his name, featured an expansive mansion with an equally large hall. The hall’s pillars were adorned with intricate carvings of lions and depictions of gods and deities. The ceiling displayed carvings of saints and seers, with a painting of the five Pandavas on one side. The upper hall was decorated with images of Lord Vishnu, the goddess Lakshmi, and the seven snake gods. The hall’s top featured carvings of the sun and moon, each radiating thousands of rays, and an image of Lord Vishnu adorned the mansion’s peak.

Wazir Ramu Sai’s hall was indeed magnificent. In time, he was blessed with four handsome and well-mannered sons. As they grew into brave and skilled warriors, Ramu Sai aspired to arrange their marriages to brides befitting their status. Given his advancing age, he hoped to see their weddings during his lifetime. After consulting with his relatives and sharing his wishes, he set out to find suitable brides to become his daughters-in-law.

Everyone hoped the brides would be beautiful, obedient, and cultured. Ramu Sai knew that choosing suitable brides was crucial to maintaining his family’s honor, so he approached this task with great care. Journeying from one village to another, he observed how each region’s climate and season seemed to influence the people’s appearance and character. Eventually, he arrived at a village called Jhunda, located off the main road. Captivated by its natural beauty, he felt confident he could find the ideal brides here, believing the villagers would reflect the beauty of their surroundings.

Though Ramu Sai was new to Jhunda, he approached a group of elderly villagers gathered in the village center, engaging them in conversation about the village. Following their guidance, he made his way to a grand Brahmin household to continue his search.

The family was astonished to receive such an esteemed guest as Wazir Ramu Sai, the wealthiest and most respected figure in the region. They welcomed him warmly and offered him a selection of delicacies. Afterward, the elderly Brahmin inquired about the purpose of his visit, eager to assist in any way he could.

The Wazir, with modest hesitation, expressed his wish to have the Brahmin’s daughter marry his son, humbly requesting the family’s acceptance of his proposal. The Brahmin and his wife discussed the matter privately, feeling deeply honored by such an offer. However, out of respect and a sense of formality, they hesitated to accept it openly, though in their hearts, they were delighted at the prospect.

After completing the formalities and seeking approval from their family deity, the Brahmin family observed favorable omens and announced their joyful acceptance of the Wazir’s proposal, with the condition that the marriage would take place in three years. Honoring their word, the Wazir arranged for the wedding, which was celebrated in grand Rajput style after the agreed time.

As the bride, Sullakhi, prepared to leave her family, she wept, expressing sorrow at leaving behind her parents, village, and friends to enter an unknown home. Her parents comforted her, reassuring her of the respect and nobility of her new family. They reminded her that she was now part of a distinguished household, married to a gentle, brave, and handsome man. They praised the beauty of Chembak, her new home, and urged her to see her in-laws as her own parents, to serve them with dedication, and to heed their guidance as part of life’s natural course.

On this joyous occasion, the village of Chembak was lavishly decorated, and Wazir Ramu Sai was overjoyed to welcome such a graceful and virtuous daughter-in-law. He spent the rest of his days in peace and contentment.

However, after the passing of Wazir Ramu Sai, Chembak village gradually lost its former glory. The once splendid mansion fell into ruins, and today, no remnants of its grandeur remain in the village. Yet, the tradition endures as his descendants continue to honor their heritage, proudly carrying the Wazir surname and preserving the legacy of their family.

References

https://ia804709.us.archive.org/6/items/sharma-manorma-1998-tribal-melodies-of-himachal-pradesh-lahaul-valley/Sharma%2C%20Manorma%20%281998%29%20Tribal%20Melodies%20of%20Himachal%20Pradesh%20-%20Lahaul%20Valley.pdf