Maya Hoki Maya Jastai
by Subani Moktan
"Maya Ho Ki Maya Jastai" (translating to "Is it Love or Something Like Love?") is an acclaimed contemporary Nepali indie-pop single written, composed, and performed by singer-songwriter Subani Moktan. Released on May 12, 2021, the track immediately stood out for its intricate musicality and its dual versions—the polished, rhythmically rich official audio arranged by Rikesh Gurung, and an intimate, piano-driven Composer's Version. The song highlights Moktan’s mastery as a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, blending soft pop sensibilities with subtle classical elements like the tabla, establishing it as a soothing anthem for listeners navigating the early stages of romantic attachment.
Lyrically, the song details a vulnerable exploration of romantic wonder, blurring the lines between a true deep connection and an enchanting illusion. The central question posed in the chorus, "Yo dhukdhuki le khojne ko ho, maya ho ki maya jasto?" (Who is this heartbeat searching for, is it love or just like love?), perfectly captures the uncertainty and vertigo of falling for someone. Moktan uses highly poetic and seasonal metaphors to describe her muse, framing them as a guiding moon in a dark night ("Joona hau timi kaalo raata ko") and the arrival of a long-awaited spring ("Aagaman hau timi basanta ko"). Rather than dwelling on heartache, the lyricism leans heavily into hope and renewal, depicting a deep intimacy that fills a creator's empty canvas with vibrant melodies and colors.
भन न मनमा के छ, सुनिरहन्छु म
शब्दमा जादु छ तिम्रो, भुलिरहन्छु म
छिनको छिनमै दिन बित्छ, किन थामिदैन?
हो
यो ढुकढूकीले खोज्ने को हो
माया हो कि माया जस्तो
आँखाको भाषा नि के हो कस्तो
नबोले नि सुनिने
हो
जुन होउ तिमी कालो रातको
आगमन होउ तिमी बसन्तको
आशाको पहिलो दियो होउ
साथ होउ कहिले नछुट्ने
मात होउ कहिले नपुग्ने
रागको आलाप होउ तिमी
आत्माले दिन दिनै गाउने
मेरो खाली रचनामा संगीत भरिदियौ
रंगहरुले सजाईदियौ
हो
माया हो कि माया जस्तो
पहिलो किरण झैँ घामको
हरेक कणलाई पार्दै न्यानो
जगतलाई ब्युझाउने
हो
बिर्सु भन्दा नि याद आउछ तिम्रो
हरेक मुस्कानमा मन मेरो
डुब्दैछ मायामा झन् झन् गहिरो
माया हो कि माया जस्तै
माया हो कि माया जस्तै
