Word Meaning
मय-परस्ताँ
mai-parastāñ
Meaning
Wine-worshippers, habitual drinkers, or devotees of intoxication.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu and Persian poetry, 'mai-parastān' refers to wine-worshippers, lovers of spiritual or literal intoxication. In Ghalib's couplet, it denotes ardent drinkers who are so independent and thirsty that they bypass etiquette to drink straight from the vat when the cupbearer is missing. Figuratively, it implies true seekers who do not depend on external intermediaries to attain ecstasy.
Etymology
Persian compound of 'mai' (wine) + 'parast' (root of parastīdan, to worship) + plural suffix '-ān'.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, this plural noun commonly symbolizes non-conformist, sincere lovers who reject religious orthopraxy in favor of spiritual intoxication.
Examples
What business do the wine-worshippers have with sobriety?
The wine-worshippers gathered at the tavern doors.