Word Meaning
दहा
daha
Meaning
The first ten days of Muharram; a ten-day mourning period.
Detailed Meaning
Literally referring to a period of ten days, 'daha' specifically denotes the first ten days of Muharram observed as a period of grief and lamentation. In this couplet, it is juxtaposed with 'Eid' to contrast the briefness of happiness (one day) against the enduring, prolonged nature of sorrow (ten days). The poet laments that life offers vastly more grief than joy.
Etymology
Persian 'daha' (دہہ/دہا), derived from 'dah' (ten), referring to a period of ten days.
Usage
In classical Urdu poetry, 'daha' is frequently contrasted with 'Eid' to highlight the disproportionate dominance of grief over joy in the lover's existence.
Examples
Eid is just a single day, while grief stretches over daha.
The mourning of daha fills the heart with lasting sorrow.