Word Meaning
ख़्वान
khwān
Meaning
A large dining tray, table, or banquet spread.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'khwan' signifies a large tray or spread of food laid out for guests. In this couplet, 'khwan-e-falak' represents the grand banquet-table of fate or the sky, whose dishes (the sun and the moon) are shown to be hollow and empty. It evokes the illusion of worldly abundance, cautioning the poet against expecting nourishment from the universe.
Etymology
Persian (خوان / khwān), meaning a dining tray, table, or feast.
Usage
Commonly used in compounds like 'khwān-e-karam' (bountiful feast) or 'khwān-e-falak' (tray of heaven) to contrast divine or worldly charity with human yearning.
Examples
The banquet tray of the world offers only illusions.
An empty tray was spread before the wandering dervish.