I immediately ran to look more into this story. What a woman she must have been— to have the heart of a lover and the spirit of a poet. No wonder her verses have been immortalized, they’re beautiful and heartbreaking all at once. You painted her story with just as much beauty and did justice to her poetry. Do you have any other poems of hers to recommend?
I could have sent you the eBook link of a complete collection of Habba Khatoon's poetry, but sadly, it's in Kashmiri, not English. However, I found two wonderful websites where you can read her poems in English translation, absolutely free:
Woah, I felt as if I teleported to that time in Kashmir🏞️, and was actually seeing and feeling the scene play. So so beautifully written!✨👏 Also I wish I could understand the language because I know the poem hits different in its own language.
I remember hearing about this story from my dad (he went to military college Jhelum and had Kashmiri friends/ was able to travel to Kashmir back then too for a bit) and I remember it being a bit of a nighttime tradition bc he read it in a certain way. Baba had a hobby to pick up stories from where he travelled bc he did so often, this felt so nostalgic <3
lol I know this in hindsight might not be the best story to tell a kid but he told me a watered down version and I faintly remember it- this post made me discover more!!
That’s such a beautiful memory. The way your baba carried stories from the places he visited — and passed them on with such care — it’s honestly the kind of love that keeps these stories alive. I’m really touched this post brought a piece of that back for you. Thank you for sharing this, truly. 🤍
I immediately ran to look more into this story. What a woman she must have been— to have the heart of a lover and the spirit of a poet. No wonder her verses have been immortalized, they’re beautiful and heartbreaking all at once. You painted her story with just as much beauty and did justice to her poetry. Do you have any other poems of hers to recommend?
I could have sent you the eBook link of a complete collection of Habba Khatoon's poetry, but sadly, it's in Kashmiri, not English. However, I found two wonderful websites where you can read her poems in English translation, absolutely free:
1. 🌸 PoemHunter – Habba Khatoon’s English Poems
https://www.poemhunter.com/habba-khatoon/poems/
2. 📚 Internet Archive – Book on Her Life & Poetry (Kashmiri)
https://archive.org/details/habba-khatoon-life-and-poetry-by-ghulam-hassan-talib-kashmir-treasure/page/57/mode/1up
The first one has her translated poetry, and the second is the original Kashmiri collection if you ever want to explore the roots.
Jazakallahu khair for finding the links! I’ll definitely be perusing through these for the next few days inshaAllah 🫡
Woah, I felt as if I teleported to that time in Kashmir🏞️, and was actually seeing and feeling the scene play. So so beautifully written!✨👏 Also I wish I could understand the language because I know the poem hits different in its own language.
I’m so glad it made you feel that way. That time, that place, that heartbreak — it still lingers in the air here.
And yes, you're so right… the original poetry carries a soul that translation can only chase. Thank you for reading with such an open heart. 🤍
I remember hearing about this story from my dad (he went to military college Jhelum and had Kashmiri friends/ was able to travel to Kashmir back then too for a bit) and I remember it being a bit of a nighttime tradition bc he read it in a certain way. Baba had a hobby to pick up stories from where he travelled bc he did so often, this felt so nostalgic <3
lol I know this in hindsight might not be the best story to tell a kid but he told me a watered down version and I faintly remember it- this post made me discover more!!
That’s such a beautiful memory. The way your baba carried stories from the places he visited — and passed them on with such care — it’s honestly the kind of love that keeps these stories alive. I’m really touched this post brought a piece of that back for you. Thank you for sharing this, truly. 🤍
Thanks for sharing.
This has been added to my list of things I'll be obsessing over at 4am, thank you for this most lovely post, as sad as it is 🪻🩷
That means a lot to me. I’m so glad it stayed with you — even if it’s a little sad. Thank you for reading. 🤍
Beautifully narrated! Habba Khatoon's poetry resonates deeply ... especially her soulful lines where she says
"Cholhoma Roshay madno wala myani poshai madno"
(Being upset with me, you left me, Come my beautiful lover)..
These line are my favourite... it captures the longing of love so beautifully.
Thank you for sharing this timeless, beautiful story..That continues to touch hearts.