Geisha- The forfeited one

The face of traditional patriarchal Japan

Equivalent to nagarvadhu and tawaif of ancient Hindustan

Geishas are living dolls possessing style and etiquette

Mask faced, clad in kimono and hairdo elaborate 

Destined to fulfill the dreams of men who are powerful and rich

They create a fantasy world of mystique and myth

They sing, dance and serve tea in tea houses in a skilled way

During the whole process their wit and wisdom is at display

Delighting and beguiling, concurrently behaving impeccably

They are an epitome of Japanese hospitality probably

Pandering to their client's every whim

With the dignity and grace of a swan they swim

Though they tantalise, laugh and talk of taboos

They are not to be known as prostitutes

Geishas have their own culture, rules and tradition 

In case they fall in love and marry, they have to leave their inhabitation

They depend on men to retain their professional identity

Forfeited from their position as queens of fashion world, they are a

becoming a declining entity

With women empowerment and gender equalisation gaining pace, for good

Geisha's will become a part of tourism and will need books, novels and e-world  to be understood

Dr Archana Tandon