e-publication

AGRICULTURAL FOLK SONGS OF MANIPUR

A. K. Bhalerao
Bagish Kumar
A. K. Singha
P. C. Jat
R. Bordoloi
A. M. Pasweth
Bidyut C. Deka

ICAR-ATARI, Zone-III
Indian Council of Agricultural Research
Umiam, Meghalaya- 793103
1
 e-publication

AGRICULTURAL FOLK SONGS OF MANIPUR

A. K. Bhalerao
Bagish Kumar
A. K. Singha
P. C. Jat
R. Bordoloi
A. M. Pasweth
Bidyut C. Deka

ICAR-ATARI, Zone-III
Indian Council of Agricultural Research
Umiam, Meghalaya- 793103
2
3
 FORWARD

The ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research institute, Zone-III with its headquarters at
Umiam, Meghalaya is the nodal institution for monitoring the extension activities conducted by the Krishi Vigyan
Kendras (KVKs) in North East Region, which comprises of eight states, namely Arunachal Pradesh, Assam,
Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. All these states have the tribal population which
gives them the unique identity as compared to the other part of the country. This peculiarity is due to the traditional
wealth conserved by the people of this region from ancestors through oral traditions.

Folk songs in relation of agriculture are one of the traditional assets for this region. These songs describe the
different aspects of nature in general and agriculture in particular for understanding them in a comprehensive way.
It simply shows the close liaison of the native people with the natural phenomenon.

I appreciate the effort and hardship of the KVK staffs in general and editors of this publication in particular
for bringing out such a useful document for the benefit of all the stakeholders working for the prosperity of
indigenous people.

Umiam, 2016 Bidyut C. Deka

Director,
ICAR-ATARI-Umiam,
Meghalaya-793103

4
 PREFACE

Traditional wealth is the cultural heritage, which is conserved from generation to generation and peculiar to
the particular locality. Traditional media is one of the dimensions of traditional wealth. This wealth is mainly
expressed through folk lore, folk songs, storytelling, poem reciting etc. Traditional media can be observed in any field
such as health, nutrition, meteorology, agriculture etc. Agriculture is a huge reservoir of traditional media.

North Eastern region of India is the land of traditional art due to the prevalent of tribal population in the
hilly tract of this region. This part of India is one of hot spot for biodiversity in the world. The biodiversity of North
East India is not only limited to the flora and fauna, but extended to the traditional media also. The rich cultural
heritage of this region is still conserved and expressed through folk lore, folk songs, local paintings and so on.

The present document is the effort to compile the traditional folk song related with agriculture from the
different states of North East India.

The editors would like to place on record the deep sense of gratitude and indebtedness to all the resource
persons i.e. Programme coordinator, Subject Matter Specialists and Programme Assistants of different KVKs of
North East India for helping in compilation of this resource book.

The editors, dedicate this publication to the farming community of North East India. We look forward to
contribute more for the betterment of farming community in entire North East Region. We also welcome the
suggestions for further improvement.

Umiam, 2016 The Editors

5
 CONTENTS

SL. KVK District Title of Song Page

No. Number
Introduction 06
01. Bishnupur Loungak Esei 16
02. Bishnupur LoktakNganei Esei 18
03. Senapati LoktakNganei Esei 20
04. Senapati Lakakgui 21
05. Senapati Ramsei Ningranggui 22
06. Senapati Lompi Vailou Kon 23

6
 INTRODUCTION
Manipur consist of two ethnic groups, the people who inhabit the hills called the Nagas and those who
inhabit the valley called the Meiteis. The hills are also inhabited by the group called the Kukis. The capital
of Manipur is Imphal. The earliest recorded history dates to 900AD. From the historic point of view, there
have been several invasions from Myanmar (Burma) which borders with Manipur and numerous clashes
with the Nagas. In 1826, Manipur was brought into India by the treaty of Yandavo by Raja Jai Singh with
the British at the end of the Indo-Burmese war. This followed a dispute in accession to the throne. With
the intervention of the British the dispute was settled. In 1891 Churachand was nominated the Raja and it
came under British rule as a princely state. During World War II Imphal was occupied by the Japanese.
After Indian independence, Manipur became a Union Territory and subsequently achieved statehood in
January 21, 1972.
There are numerous small lakes and swamps along the valley. The hills around the cup-shaped
valley add to the natural beauty of Manipur. The hills are part of the Himalayas and are termed as Sub-
Himalayan ranges. They are spread into ranges with irregular serrated ridges with tapering cliffs. The
Ranges are given by different names. On the west are Nunjaibong, Kala Naga, Chakka Nungba, Kanpum
and Kopru-Laimotol. On the north are The Khhunho spurs, Thumion (Mayang Khang), Laison and Sirohi
farar. On the East are Surameti or Chinganguba, Somrah, Kassom, Nupitel or Maphitel and Yomadoung
and on the South is Hawbi. Among these Chinganguba or Surameti peak is the highest with 12,557ft. All
the hills are covered with luxuriant growth of forests with Nagesar, Jurul, India-rubber, Tan, Oak, Ash,
Teak, Palm (in eastern slopes). There are different varieties of bamboo all over Manipur. Pinus Longifolia
is found in Somrah basin and in northern portion. It has been planted on the hillock adjacent to Imphal
town. The forest department of Manipur should make it a policy of reforestation of these entire ridges if
they are really keen on aesthetic reflection of Imphal town in its peripheries. In the high hills the red and
white Rhododendron is seen. The flame of the forest trees are also found on the way to Tamenglong.
By virtue of its geographical situation, Manipur is a shining pearl in the Himalayan system.
Manipuris call it as Meithei Leipak. In the valley Kongba (Imphal), Eeril and Thobal are the big rivers
which originate from the hills and flow down into the valley and forms the drain for all waters flowing
into the valley carrying them off by Sagnu river through the southern ranges of hills further into the
Ningthee. The Bark river flows through its western borders. The natural lake Loktak is a big water
reservoir of 36 metres depth. It is 8 miles long from north-west to south-east and 5 miles broad at its
greatest breadth from the east to west. The dark green Eichornia (water Hyacinath) reed and other aquatic
plants float on its surface abundantly.

7
The soil is considered fit for all kinds of grain crops, vegetables and fruits. Sirohee hill in Ukhrull is
famous for the Sirohee lily. The species of this plant is endemic to that particular hill only.
People: There is less historical evidence available on the origin of the people of Manipur. There are
different schools of thought regarding the origin. Some people considered Manipuris as the descendants
of Tartar Colony from China. Others considered that the Manipuris were descendants of the surrounding
hill tribes i.e. the big race of Nagas which was once in existence in many parts of the world. The
Manipuris are related to the present Naga race of the hills also in respect of many customs still in
existence in both groups. Some believe that Manipuris are a fine stalwart race descended from an Indo-
Chinese stock, with some admixture of Aryan blood. Some scholars consider that the Manipuris are
Kshatriyas as mentioned in the Epic, 'Mahabharatha'. Another school of thought considers Manipuris the
descendants of Kiratas. The distribution of Kiratas in north-eastern region is one of the evidences to
support this school of thought. Another school of thought considers Manipuris to be descended from the
stock of Dravidians who migrated from south India to Manipur and Naga hills through Burma.
The Manipur population consists of different social groups. They are Meiteis, Nagas, Kukis and
Miscellaneous groups. The entire population of Manipur is distributed into two regions: the hill
population and the valley population. The valley people are believed to be the descendants of four old
tribes called Khuman, Luang, Moirang and Maithai. The Naga and Kuki tribes occupied the Hilly region.
The people of Manipur, both in the valley and the hills are having predominantly Mongoloid features. But
can be easily distinguish between the valley and the hill people. The people from the valley show a
developed sharpness in their features over their hill counter-parts. The valley population had numerous
occasions to come in contact with the invaders and migrants through the valley. This contact over the ages
regenerated a race of some peculiar characteristics, in physical features reflecting the basic Mongoloid
characters with definite modifications, to a certain degree.
The remarkable characteristic of this state is unity in diversity. In the history of Manipur there has
not been even a single instance of communal or ethnic dispute. But in recent times, Manipur has been the
scene of bitter ethnic conflict. The ethnic animosity between the Kukis and the Nagas stems from
xenophobic insecurity. During the past six years over 1,000 have been killed, more injured, houses burnt
down and thousands rendered homeless, during the conflicts.
The people of Manipur are simple and largely untouched by the pollution of modern living. Their
wants are few, they love outdoor life, find communion with nature and depend on the gifts of nature like
rice for food, fish to supplement their dish. The general facial characteristic of the Manipuris are of the
Mongolian type. There is a great diversity of the features among them. The people are very good looking
and fair. It is common to meet girls with brownish black hair, brown eyes, fair complexions, straight noses

8
and rosy cheeks. The Manipuris are decidedly a muscular race. Fat people are rare. They have good chests
and well formed limbs.
The Meitei language which is the language of the valley people is the official state language and
other dialects spoken by the tribes in the hills are classified under Tibeto-Burman family. Meitei language
has been borrowed by the Naga and Kuki people of the hills.
The dominant religion is Hinduism especially in the valley. There is no trace of Buddhism having
been established here in any period of history. Islam entered through the Muslim migrants from East
Bengal, but Muslim population in the valley is very little. Christianity, introduced by the British as a
policy was not embraced by Meiteis in the valley but attracted almost entire hill tribes.

Agriculture: Agriculture and allied activities is the single largest source of livelihood of rural folk. The

main crop grown here is rice. Manipuri rice is very tasty. It can be eaten without curry. Other crops are
wheat, pulses, maize etc. There are two modes of cultivation viz, punghul and transplantation of seeds. In
the hill area, Jhum and terraced cultivation are carried in the agricultural season. In general the land is
cleared in the month of January and February. Crops are sown in May-June and harvesting starts in
October and ends about in the early part of December.
The soil can be cultivated for all kinds of grain crops, vegetables and fruits. Sirohee hill in Ukural
is famous for the Siroi lily. The species of this plant is endemic to that particular hill only. Fruits cultivated
include pine-apple, arum, and orange. In some areas of the valley apricot, oranges, lemons and mangoes
are also grown. Every kind of vegetables like cabbage, carrot, radish, beetroot, turnip, ladies finger,
pumpkin and pulses are grown and the yield is very good. Vegetables also include chilly, potato, cabbage,
pea, brinjal and tomato.

Festivals of Manipur
Manipur is a land of festivities. Merriments and mirth-making go on round the year. A year in
Manipur represents a cycle of festivals. Hardly a month passes by without a festival which, to the
Manipuris, is a symbol of their cultural,
social and religious aspirations. It removes
the monotony of life by providing physical
diversions, mental recreation and emotional
outlet, helps one to lead a more relaxed and
fuller life.

9
Lai-Haraoba:- Celebrated in hour of the sylvan deities known as Umang Lai, the festival represents

the worship of traditional deities and ancestors. A number of dances by both men and women are
performed before the ancient divinities. The Lai Haraoba of God-Thangjing, the ruling deity of Moirang,
is the most famous one and attracts huge gatherings. It is held in the month of May

Yaoshang(Dol Jatra):- This festival is celebrated for five days commencing from the full-moon day

of Phalgun (February/March). Yaoshang is the premier festival of Manipur. The Thabal Chongba, a kind
of Manipuri folk dance in which boys and girls hold hands and dance away their blues in festive tube-lit
ambience is an inseparable part of the festival. Donation is collected by young and old folks from house to
house and the money so collected is spent in parties and feasts. However, games and sports were
organized during the festival. Athletes got a shot in the arm ever since.

10
Ratha Jatra:- One the greatest festivals of the Hindus of Manipur, the festival is celebrated for about 10

days in the month of Ingen (June/July). Lord Jaganath leaves his temple in a Rath locally known as Kang
pulled by pilgrims who vie with one another for this honour.

Ramjan ID(The premier festival of Manipur Muslims):- Ramjan Id is the most popular

festival of the Manipuri Muslims (Meitei Pangal) in Manipur and is observed in the usual spirits of joy
and festivities as in other Muslim world. Ramjan is the ninth month of Hijri year since the time of prophet
Mohammed and during this month the Muslims practice self denial by avoiding any food, drink and
smoke from pre-dawn till sunset. The whole month is spent on prayers. After the month on the second
day of shawl, when the new moon is visible they break fast and this fast breaking day is called Id-Ul-Fitre.
On this day, they go to the mosques to offer prayers and take delicious dishes, exchange greetings and call
on the friends and relatives.

KUT (Festival of Kuki-Chin-Mizo):- This festival is conducted by different tribes of Kuki-Chin-

Mizo groups of Manipur during Autumn Season. The festival has been variously described at different
places amongst different tribes as Chavang-Kut or Khodou etc. It is a happy occasion for the villagers
whose food stock is bountiful after a year of hard labour. The festival is a thanksgiving feasts with songs
and dances in merriment and joviality for all, in honour of the giver of an abundant harvest. It is observed
on the 1st of November every year.

11
Gang-Ngai (Festival of Kabui Nagas):- It is a major festival of the Kabui Nagas celebrated for

five days in the month of Wakching (December/January). The festival opens with the omen taking
ceremony on the first day and the rest of the days are associated with common feast, dances of old men
and women and of boys and girls, presentation of farewell gifts etc.
For 1997, it starts from Janaury 21.

Chumpha (Festival of Tangkhul Nagas):- It is post harvest festival of the Tangkhul Nagas

celebrated for seven days in the month of December. For three days different meeting were organized and
entertainment. The women play an important role in the festival which is different from other festival. On
the final day procession were organized in the village.

12
Christmas (Festival of Christians):- The greatest festival of Christian in Manipur is Christmas

which is celebrated on December 24 and 25. The major part of the festival includes prayers, reading of the
Gospels, eating, singing of hymns, lectures on Christ, sports etc. The celebration continues till January 1 in
some villages which are highly devoted.

Cheiraoba (The Manipur New Year):- In this festival people decorate their houses and prepare
special festive dishes which are first offered to various deities. It is celebrated during the month of April.
According to their belief the villagers climb to the nearest hills tops so that it will enable them to rise to
greater heights in their worldly life. The Pangals (Manipuri Muslims) also celebrated this festival.

Heikru Hidongba:- It is a festival of joy, with little religious significance along a 16 metre wide boat

which is celebrated duing September. Long narrow boats are used to accommodate a large number of
rowers. Idol of Shri Vishnu is installed before the commencement of the race.

13
Ningol Chakouba (The social festival of Manipuris):- It is an important festival of the

Meiteis. Married women of the family who were married to distant places come to the parental house
along with her children and enjoy sumptuous feast. It is a form of reunion to revive family affection.
Now-a-days this festival is also observed by the Pangals (Manipuri Muslims) in a certain extent. It is
observed on the second day of the new moon in the Manipuri month of Hiyangei (November).

Lui_Ngai_Ni :- It is a festival celebrated by the Nagas which observed on the 15th day of February

every year. This is a seed-sowing festival after which tribes belonging to the Naga group begin their
cultivation. The program includes social gathering, songs, dances and different entertainment. The annual
festival also plays a great role in boosting the morale and strengthening the bond of Naga solidarity.

Kwak Jatra:- In this festival Goddess Durga is propitiated with pomp and ceremony. It is celebrated in
the month of October and represents the victory of righteousness over evil.

Yaoshang - The premier festival of Manipur Hindus

It is celebrated for five days starting from the full moon day of Phalguna (February/March).
Yaoshang is the premier festival of Manipur. The Thabal Chongba - a kind of Manipuri folk dance, where
boys and girls hold hands and sing and dance in a circle, is particularly associated with this festival. Boys
and girls and old women collect donations from house to house and the money so collected is spent in a
number of parties and feast. Indeed, Yaosang to Manipur is what Durga Puja is to Bengal, Diwali in north
India and Bihu to Assam.

14
15
 STATE: Manipur
KVK: Bishnupur
1. Title of Song : Loungak Esei
Recorded on date : 20.08.2015
Language of recording : Manipuri
Location of recording (Address) : Singjamei, Imphal

Lyrics of song Meaning

F-Ha, urinapangbinamanakaouitadabi, It is a traditional folk song usually sung by a girl
napanakaouikhumdabi and a boy to express their desired and feeling
Ya hoi hoi……….2Hohoyayaya………2 about love while protecting rice field from the
M-Ha, invading birds ;
chingsukhunulamleimalamgikhunusutharikpinangbuc
heklanangnapakhanglaibakchaobaeibuchingnayenglera Boy: Have you ever been deserted by your lover
gacheklanangna kurku-2 kindly tell me the truth about your story
hainamaktabukhongbadinapangkainabagikhongbaranec otherwise I am unable to bear as my heart is
hekla. about to broken.
CheklanangiYawakhonjeltareragaphakhanglaibakchaob
aeigithamoipungamdenepombi, Girl: Ho birds have you brought any news from a
cheklaonekhonglaganuchakla o. stranger who is unable to express his feeling to
F-Ha chekla kanano-2 his beloved.
etaroichingsugikhunukhongjombi, aa
tamgikhunumeipombinangbucheklanakhoueponponpon Boy: Ho pretty girl looks like a beautiful lotus
binangakechoi hoi cheklanasingee panel who are protecting your field from birds, do you
thengallaktabutongladanakrukukukrukukukhongbadi, have a lover or are you still looking for a lover.
ha
cheklashakhangdabakanagimapaokhonbupurakparaneet Girl: When I hear your voice I would like to
aroi, express my feeling that I am still a virgin girl
adudinatrehairagacheklanarolgipakhongkhongbamakta staying with my parent and do not have any
buoirabadi, chekla o lover.
khonglaganukainameichakhenhallagano ..o..o..ochekla
o. Boy: Are you telling these sweet beautiful words
M-Ha, ha haIbemanurathambalmaktabumanbinangbu. from your lips or from your heart.
Panthougipamelpabalthak Khari
louphamdapombicheklangaklibinujanangukanano, Girl- Are you having may eyes like pineapple
loimomphounakhoingangsanasatlakpamatamdakhangn looking at many girls.
abanakollure ho nungshibanabuhalllurene,
mapupankhrabileirangranatrehairagamapupandribisin
gella, ningolsuyawanapao ha sengna-2 tammune-2
eingolda.
F-Ha
Ibungomigimachanesusakhangdabanangbungasikhorou
numittasakhangdabananginapaomaktabutarabadiningo
lgipaimapibuksetingigumyangollekharagummipuksuhu
redo
nungshibanangbuningollaibakchaobidipalempanthougi
engkholmashaigolningoleningekhatamnamaktabuleijari
biningolni lei rangileikhoksangbakhoimu kana
leijadekopamubanangbuHainingbatahaibiyu ho
16
 tamningbatatambiyu….. ibungo.
M-Ha, chinbandanalangbankhoihitei, thamoidana- 2
hoobuphumdunapakangthamoiphabiribi nangbu-2
nujakaripukchel no,chinbandanalangbankhoihitei.
F-Mitshnaleikaikoiganbanangbu,
leirangkhudinglamdanbanangbu panna
potlanchaganbanangbu yet-langkihom gum
mityambanangbuningolpukningnachingnajeinatattour
anu o
natattouranumaithakpaMitshnaleikaikoiganbanangbu.

Name of Singers: Ms. Lourembam Bedabati& party

Recorded by KVK: Dr. R.K. Imotomba Singh
Collected and recorded by: Dr. R.K. Imotomba Singh, A. Tarajit Singh, Th. Shachimohon Singh
Any other relevant information: I. Lyrics 1. Bandana Ningombam
II. Translation Dr. R.K. Imotomba Singh.

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17
2. Title of Song : LoktakNganei Esei
Recorded on date : 20-8-2015
Language of recording : Manipuri
Location of recording (Address) : Singjamei, Imphal

Lyrics of song Meaning

F- Hung …… enungba…. Naaralchandouri y It is a traditional folk song usually sung by a girl
loimayaichingyakhangkharetorbungnungsitnamibimat and a boy to express their desire and feeling about
arokikhangonbamalangnalirihumlare ho love while fishing in the Loktak Lake;
humlarehumlak a de.
M- Girl: The sun is about to set. The slow mild
haaKowktaginungsitnamibamalangnalirihumbadining breeze of Torbung started breezing.
olgisamlangchoijairemougisingdabuchalhalli ho
chalhallichalhalli da. Boy: My wind of Kwakta unfurls the silky hair of
F- yours and you are compel to become a woman.
maramnalamlenmadaimapoireinalamdamsulamnungsil
aijaepakthannanganloktaklaijamingsel oi Girl: My heart is so eager to hear about him
thangjingmanasuuphang oi when the sun is about to set at dusk as the sun’s
inungbanumidangwairamdacheklana sangu-2 image is floating on the surface of the Loktak lake.
paibadiningolsupukningnungolli.
M-ha ha loktaklaijanairengbung ho Are you belongs to Moirang or Khuman Clan
heidanasougrinasaba lam charangimainasiba lam ho who steals my heart who are fishing at the lake at
pakhangpukningnakhoidare ho-2 the very hours of dusk.
phakhangipukningnanungollee
F-Ha khoinouyengune yengu-2 Boy:I wish to say my heart is filling love and to
lamlennaloktakkhongbansehanounadiesang sang ha say I love you and would like to take you to my
khoinouyenguneyengu. house to elope as by beloved wife.
Ha
hakegephakhangkananomoirangiphakhangkananoibung Girl: The arrow which is about to shoot at the
o ha heart of Sangai (Brow antlered deer) is hitting
ibungokegepakhangkananomoirangipakhangnangbuka my heart which cannot be un plugged from my
nanongasikorounumittaningollaibakchaobinapaiyachep heart
si long
sangaiyainabulongbudiningolgikhuttapairehairegaleml
eingamimaktabuthembadipamubanasunglangini ho
nungsibanahakthakkini a a … ibungo
M- ha hahaibemmamigiho
machasupamubinangbuningoloibinangithamoibuloibic
hingdahoubapamensingjagumkhalleragapakhangeigith
amoinakabotensintenwamaktabuoireraganingoloibinan
githamoibupakhanglaibakchaobaeigithamoinapamennas
ingjalangbagumlangsinjarurenenungsibinangbuheigu
mheisungnainagumseleirangleichasetnagumsenungsibi
nangbuningoloibinangnapakhangeigimongbamaranyai
dalakadabakorounumitadubuloidamthajadoibemahaiibe
manujahaibamataoireoirekopamubi.
F-Maringitendinayatpithounaitendi kukupa
yarounasangaimangoldathagadabatendubunungolgitha
moilaiyumdatennathumnapalledo ho
tenjeisatsisatngamde.

18
Name of Singers: Ms. LourembamBedabati& party
Recorded by KVK: Dr. R.K. Imotomba Singh
Collected and recorded by: 1. Dr. R.K. Imotomba Singh
2. A. Tarajit Singh 3. Th. Shachimohon Singh
Any other relevant information: I. Lyrics 1. Bandana Ningombam
II. Translation Dr. R.K. Imotomba Singh.

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19
 STATE: Manipur
KVK: Senapati

1. Title of Song : Lusom lii

Recorded on date : 02.05.2015
Language of recording : Maram (a recognized scheduled tribe)
Location of recording (Address) : Th. Thumbu’s Residence, T. Khullen village, Senapati

Lyrics of song Meaning

Lusom lii Transplantation Song

Nyiimotmei heiosa, nyiikilong ai roilatde Let us work, yes, with all co-workers,
O nyiimot mei hang o, Pwipfiina joileime, O all co-workers, your parents arranging
Pwipfiidoi doi tehiidaime rei, marriage.
Wuitoom kabi meilosa gongrou bamle, Even, you are helping the parents.
Gonroule, gongroule, Though the bride price is Ox or Buffalo,
Anai kabi ai tousa sangram hoiniroule I can’t agree with, I can’t go with,
I cannot live in strange villag by leaving a
Sanglunei tingche bitakle, good fellowship and generation of our village.
Nle rahangpiina repyile,
Repyile repyile a, Beautiful lady, how good, your firewood, yes,
Repyiku nang nrou supa pungleipo? it is arranged by the handsome gentleman,
Lusom lukia hai nna, Are you not ashamed to carry it?
Kahing hai nna kahing. Season sets in for transplantation
Yes, season comes.
Ntoulu rou ntoulu rou,
Rangpongna ranii tou tou, Transplants the terrace fields
Ranii touranu. The terrace fields are resemble to the
Sagoi gangle, raliipei pwi, monuments.
Sagoi gangle, raliipei pwi, It is the time to rest,
Goina gangsulo, goina gangsulo, Yes, it is to stop the work.
Sagoi kagangtei raliipei pwile. Delaying by the mother,
Yes, the mother of the girl.

Name of Singers: Th. Thumbu, (leader),K. Kalong, H. Kanguba, Mrs. Rangponga, Mrs. Pungdila, Mrs.
Kanga
Mrs. Reishila, Mrs. Kareila, Mrs. Kareila Kangpwi
Recorded by KVK: Senapati
Collected and recorded by: (Programme Coordinator & Staff).

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

20
2. Title of Song : Lakakgui
Recorded on date : 02.05.2015
Language of recording : Maram (a recognized scheduled tribe)
Location of recording (Address) : Th. Thumbu’s Residence, T. Khullen village, Senapati

Lyrics of song Meaning

Lakakgui Ploughing Chants

Oh – oh, Oh ah Chanted by the Maram Naga tribe while
Oh – oh, Oh ah ploughing the field that gives physical
Oh – he he, ah he he strength.
Oh hou oh hou
Oh hou

Name of Singers: Th. Thumbu, (leader),K. Kalong, H. Kanguba, Mrs. Rangponga, Mrs. Pungdila, Mrs.
Kanga
Mrs. Reishila, Mrs. Kareila, Mrs. Kareila Kangpwi
Recorded by KVK: Senapati
Collected and recorded by: (Programme Coordinator & Staff).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

21
3. Title of Song: Ramsei Ningranggui
Recorded on date: 02.05.2015
Language of recording: Maram (a recognized scheduled tribe)
Location of recording (Address): Th. Thumbu’s Residence, T. Khullen village, Senapati

Lyrics of song Meaning

Ramsei Ningranggui Weeding

Hina hi ho, ho hi a Come with chants, come with chants

Ho hi a, magulo, nlonglo Friends oh friends oh
Ho hi a, kangmei o, he mei o, ntulo rangalo. Be happy, oh be happy
Ho hi a o hi a Yes, we are happy.
Hourailo, hirailo ho, hi a Help the weak, yes help them, yes help them
Ho hi a, kasoigo, kasetgo, Marams, chants louder
Kasoigo kasetgo, hi na hi Yes Maram chant louder
O hi a, We are chanting louder.
Maramei ningrang gui
Maramei ningrangui hina hi
O hi a

Name of Singers: Th. Thumbu, (leader),K. Kalong, H. Kanguba, Mrs. Rangponga, Mrs. Pungdila, Mrs.
Kanga
Mrs. Reishila, Mrs. Kareila, Mrs. Kareila Kangpwi
Recorded by KVK: Senapati
Collected and recorded by: (Programme Coordinator & Staff).

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4. Title of Song: Lompi Vailou Kon
Recorded on date: 09.05.2015
Language of recording: Thadou Kuki(a recognized scheduled tribe)
Location of recording (Address): Hengbung village, Senapati

Lyrics of song Meaning

LOMPI VAILOU KON TRADITIONAL JHUMING
Lompi vailou kon tau hite It’s the time ‘LAWMPI’ to go for jhuming
Bu chun mechun poh na din work
Lomnun vaibeng hinpo o. Let the women folk who wore their hair in
several plaits
Lompi vailou kon tau hite Braided in their head carry food for all in
Buchun mechun poh na din the basket......
Lomnun vaibeng hinpo o
Malam sonin Hei Ha!Hoi Ha! Oh! its the season, let us sow seeds of all
Ti in heijam sammin kinds of crops
Ichung toni sa jong le The birds singings in the sky sets our
Masonin tongute tongute lomgolte. heart at joy
Jaitha nemsah louvin jekhommute. Hey Ha! Hoy Ha! We took great pride
using our
(Hey Ha..Hoy Ha...)3 Traditional implements for farming.
Let us work tirelessly and ceaselessly
Sun kim sunggil kelphat hita With all our strength...........
Sunyou bol djng tou tao te
Buchun mechun lhamtao te (Hey Ha..Hoy Ha...)3
Malam sonin hey ha..hoy ha..
Ichung toni sa jong le It’s the time that we have our lunch in the
mid-day
Masonnin tongute lomgolte. To satisfy our hunger and thirst .let us
Nilhang kaita haiphat hita look forward and
Khaije lomgol haitao te Even the heat if the sun shall not stop our
Inlam pheiphung song- taote work.......
Malam sonin hey ha.... hoy .....

Western-Hills .We shout at joy at the

end of the day.
Let the days and season past like on
early crop as
‘LAWMPI’ awaits to celebrate the
good harvest with
Dance and drinking rice –beer...........

{LAWMPI-a traditional form of institutions

in which men
And women engaged in
agricultural activities and
Social activities.}

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Name of Singers:Mr. Thanglal Kipgen, Mr. Seiminthang Chongloi, Kamtinsei Haokip, Lamgoungam
Kipgen, Semgoulal Hangshing, Ms. Kimneineng Hangshing, Ms. Hoijavah Kipgen, Ms. Neijahat Lhouvum,
Ms. Nemngaiching Hangshing & Ms. Nengminhoi Kipgen.
Recorded by KVK: Senapati
Collected and recorded by: (Programme Coordinator & Staff).

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Correct Citation: Bhalerao A.K., Kumar B., Singha A. K., Jat P.C.,
Pasweth, A.M., Deka Bidyut C., 2016, Agricultural Folk Songs of
Manipur, ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute,
Umiam, Meghalaya, India

Published by: The Director,

ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research
Institute, Umiam (Barapani), Meghalaya-793103
Email: icarzcu3@gmail.com
Website: http://icarzcu3.gov.in
Phone no. 0364-2570081

Edited by: Amol K. Bhalarao, Scientist (AE)

Bagish Kumar, Scientist (AE)
A. K. Singha, Pr. Scientist (AE)
P. C. Jat, Sr. Scientist (Agro)
A. M. Pasweth, SRF-NICRA
Bidyut C. Deka, Director, ATARI Umiam

Word Processing: A. M. Pasweth and Synshai Jana

Cover Design: Johannes Wahlang

Layout and Printing: Technical Cell, ICAR-ATARI, Umiam

DISCLAIMER:
Information in this publication is compiled from various secondary sources by subject experts and compiled by
editors. The information in this book is meant to supplement the knowledge about agricultural folk songs and
festivals in NE region. The publication contains information about [festivals and folk songs], the information is not
advice, and should not be treated as such. Compilers & editors are not responsible for any mistake or lacuna or
plagiarism in this ebook as individual songs are compiled by contributors, singers etc. and festival information,
pictures etc. from various secondary sources like internet. This publication is only for academic purposes, and not
for commercial use. The main idea behind this publication is creating awareness and sharing information. Although
the editors and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information in this publication was correct at
publishing time, the editors and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss,
damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence,
accident, or any other cause. This is pre-publication copy, uploaded to be reviewed by authors and peers.

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