Heer Ranjha - a tragic love story

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'Loved and lost' is a sad saga which none of us would love to read especially during Valentine season. However this Punjabi folklore is widely popular and loved by many due to its aesthetic love plots. The legend of Heer Ranjha speaks of immortal love. Read further to know more about this amazing love legend that is still alive in every Punjabi heart.

The story

The story of Heer Ranjha had several poetic narrations, by Damodar Daas, Mukbaz and Ahmed Gujjar. However the most famous narration is Heer by Waris Shah.

Ranjha, a Jatt lived a life of luxury in the village 'Takht Hazara' by the river Chenab. He was the youngest of four brothers. His brothers disliked him, as he was the loving son of his father, Mauju Chaudhri, chief landowner of the village. The young lad had no worries as he played flute all day long in the field and made merry. However situations weren't the same after Mauju's death. His brothers fought with him and drove him out of the house.

Ranjha left home and arrived in Heer's village after days of starvation. Heer, the daughter of a wealthy Jatt in the Sayyal clan was known for her beauty all over the village. She was believed to be as lovely as the moon. Eventually the magical flutist and falls in love mesmerized Heer with him. She took him home and introduced him to her father as a new herdsman to tend the cattle.

Ranjha was welcomed at home. They met each other secretly for many years until Heer's jealous uncle, Kaido, and her parents Chuchak and Malki caught them. Ranjha was thrown out of the house without any wages and Heer got married to Saida Khera. The later part of the story reveals how Ranjha became a jogi and started moving round Punjab chanting the holy words. On his travel he found the village of Heer. Heer the stubborn and bold lady remined true to her love until his retuen by mourning everyday. She had detested every pleasure and luxury that Saida had given her.

They eloped to the forest and are finally called back by Heer's parent for their marriage. The two returned to the village to unite in the prescence of people and god. However on the wedding day Ranjha wass bruttaly killed and Heer poisoned by her crippled uncle Kaido.

The story has many interpretation but the narration of the story by Waris Shah ends with this sad note. Waris narration pictures Heer as a bold lady who stands for her true love till her last breath. Their love story still lives alive in many folk song and many Hindi movies of 1960s. Though they were not fortunate of making a home, they are still remembered and praised for their amazing love.

To end with Alfred Lord Tennyson's quote,

'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all."

So, all the lovebirds who have lost their love, take courage this valentine' Day. If your love is true you need not weep for you had found love at least for a short span of your life. Live life with hope for love, as you never know when your sweetheart may come.