MP Board · Class 10 · Hindi · Kshitij Poetry: Chhaya Mat ChhoonaWhat does the poet mean by 'Chhaya' (shadow) in the poem 'Chhaya Mat Chhoona'?

In the poem 'Chhaya Mat Chhoona', the poet Girija Kumar Mathur uses the word 'Chhaya' (shadow) to symbolize the sweet and pleasant memories of the past. The poet advises the readers not to touch or dwell on these shadows because recalling past happy moments during times of present struggle only intensifies our current grief and makes our sorrow double. Therefore, 'Chhaya' represents the illusionary past that we must avoid to live peacefully in the present.