#arati

Drawing on films like Duniya na Mane/The Unexpected (V. Shantaram, 1937), Meena Kumari used the white sari in ways that recalled female political activists who wore white cotton to express their commitment to social service. As such, the white sari, often accompanied by such props like a watch, umbrella, purse or pen signified the new, modern face of Indian femininity. [X]

Arati Hymn of Param Sant Tulsi Sahib of Hathras  (Padavali Hymn # 145)

Do Arati [worship] with the Sadguru [True Guru] and contemplate the light glowing within you,

Igniting the five elements of the body, light the lamp to get brightness inside;

The Sun and the Moon are like fruits

and flowers kept on a dish-like firmament [plate of the inner sky],

As one starts worshipping, pieces of camphor are burnt and a kalash [pot, pitcher,] is planted in the inner sky,

The stars-like pearls and the broken rice grains are visible,

Weaving the garland of flowers, put it onto your neck,

And offer betel-leaves, sweets, incense, sandal, earthen lamps, etc...

In such a light, the accompaniment of various musical sounds of cymbals, majira and drum are heard,

Scent-like currents of consciousness are spread all over the body and float up in the sky,

And in that sphere, the consciousness-like bee feels blissfully content,

Listening to the multiple sounds,

Pure light is burning inside and as one sees it, all one’s lapses are eliminated forever;

In the inner sky, nectar pours down and the devotees are fully drenched,

Drinking that ambrosia, consciousness is fully awakened

and makes fresh endeavors to ascend,

Beauty, like millions of shining Suns, is so very illuminating,

And there, beyond the quintessential sound, attain the Absolute,

You strike your bond with the Supreme Sovereign [God] or pure consciousness;

Every moment, keep consciousness [your attention, surat,] alive in your inner sky,

Suck out the milk of paradise by the grace of Guru,

Says Tulsi, the abode of Guru is all-illuminating

and the loud musical notes are heard,

Like the Alal-bird, let your consciousness ascend,

Shaking off the wrappings of the body.

sketchy sketch of Veleslav as i came up with him two years ago XD