Jikki’s rendition of ‘Velli Mulaidhadhu’ from the album Pattaliyin Vetri features Udumalai Narayanakavi’s lyrics and S. Rajeswararao’s composition. This tranquil Tamil piece observes a village dawn through vivid imagery.
Velli Mulaidhadhu
Jikki • From “Pattaliyin Vetri”
Velli Mulaidhadhu Lyrics Translation (from “Pattaliyin Vetri”)
Udumalai Narayanakavi compares kolam dots to pearls and lines to jasmine vines. His verses show the sun as a shy observer watching women begin their daily tasks.
Velli Mulaiththathu Vaanilae AmmaThe morning star has risen in the sky
Palli Ezhunthathae VaarungammaThe world is waking up, come along
Thulli Ezhunthae VaarungammaJump out of bed, come along
Velli Mulaiththathu Vaanilae AmmaThe morning star has risen in the sky
Palli Ezhunthathae VaarungammaThe world is waking up, come along
Thulli Ezhunthae VaarungammaJump out of bed, come along
Muththukkal Polae Pulligal VaiththuSetting down dots bright as pearls
Mullai Kodipol Kodugal PottuDrawing lines like jasmine vines
Niththamum Azhagaai Kolangal PodumSketching beautiful art every day
Viththaiyil Pengalukkinai YaarammaaWho can match a woman’s skill?
Viththaiyil Pengalukkinai YaarammaaWho can match a woman’s skill?
Velli Mulaiththathu Vaanilae AmmaThe morning star has risen in the sky
Palli Ezhunthathae VaarungammaThe world is waking up, come along
Thulli Ezhunthae VaarungammaJump out of bed, come along
Thadathadavendrae Rekkaiyai ThattiWith a loud flutter of his wings
Seval Koovuthu Vidinthathu EndraeThe rooster cries that dawn is here
Thadathadavendrae Rekkaiyai ThattiWith a loud flutter of his wings
Seval Koovuthu Vidinthathu EndraeThe rooster cries that dawn is here
Madi Nirai Paalai Kudiththida KandruEager to drink its fill of milk
Maavena Pasuvai Azhaikkithu NindruThe calf stands calling for the cow
Velli Mulaiththathu Vaanilae AmmaThe morning star has risen in the sky
Palli Ezhunthathae VaarungammaThe world is waking up, come along
Thulli Ezhunthae VaarungammaJump out of bed, come along
Thandaigal Jal Jal Osaigal SeiyyaAnklets chiming with a jingle
Thalaiyilae Seppu Kudangalum MinnaCopper pots gleaming on our heads
Thalaiyilae Seppu Kudangalum MinnaCopper pots gleaming on our heads
Andaiyil Ulla Yaeriyai NaadiHeading to the lake nearby
Anangugal Sellum KaalaiyithammaaIt’s a morning march for us girls
Velli Mulaiththathu Vaanilae AmmaThe morning star has risen in the sky
Palli Ezhunthathae VaarungammaThe world is waking up, come along
Thulli Ezhunthae VaarungammaJump out of bed, come along
Keezh Dhisai Vaanil Paala SooriyanThe young sun in the eastern sky
Etti Eettiyae Avan PaarkkindraanHe’s peeking out to take a look
Vidiyum Mun Vambu Aagumo EndruAsk if he’s starting mischief this early
Vizhiyampaal Avanai Keladi NeeyaeChallenge him with your sharp eyes
Velli Mulaiththathu Vaanilae AmmaThe morning star has risen in the sky
Palli Ezhunthathae VaarungammaThe world is waking up, come along
Thulli Ezhunthae VaarungammaJump out of bed, come along
Velli Mulaidhadhu Music Video
The Pattaliyin Vetri album’s Velli Mulaidhadhu lyrics translation documents women’s routines like kolam art and water collection. It frames these acts as vital contributions to rural life.