چھلا

Challa (The Ring): In Punjabi folk poetry, "Challa" is not merely a piece of jewelry but a symbol of a traveler or a beloved who has departed. This song is a painful saga of separation, longing, and waiting.

The Berry Blossom and the Intensity of Separation: The blossoming of the berry tree (Beri) signifies spring—a time of joy for lovers. However, the beloved's absence turns even this beautiful season into a period of mourning. The "first boat" (Pehle Poor) refers to the initial batch of travelers leaving, highlighting the poet's restlessness to follow or find the beloved.

Truth and Devotion: The metaphor of "placing a ring on the well" points toward the superficial rituals or superstitions people engage in to avoid reality. The poet insists that matters should be discussed face-to-face (honesty) and that one should fear only the True God, from whom nothing is hidden.

A Mother's Love: The sudden mention of a mother's love appears because, amidst all the world's sorrows, a mother’s lap is the only place that offers "cool shade" (comfort). By calling children "sweet fruits," the song emphasizes the importance and purity of familial bonds.

The Transience of the World: In the final verse, the poet shares a universal truth: all the world's colors and friends are temporary. Since life's sorrows must be endured as part of the human experience, there is no use in creating a loud commotion or fuss over this fleeting existence.