Title: The story of MOMOLA : an offering to the river

Language: Wancho

Description: Three brief “Wancho Folksongs” known as “Kātjo Tsāi” or “Birth Song” are included in the audio clip above.

Three brief Wancho folksongs known as “Katjo Tsai” or “Birth Song” are included in the audio clip above. The first song echoes the message of the importance of being wise, in the pursuit of life. It expresses the idea of exhorting—one should take the narrow route; rather than pursuing things that appear large and important but will ultimately result in a catastrophe. It conveys the idea, that great things can be achieved by taking small steps towards larger goals in life. It is a song about keeping one’s feet planted on the ground, and not having unrealistic expectations. As the proverb goes, “Little drops of water makes a mighty ocean”. The second song expresses a wish that if the previous generation’s youthful life had been like a water gourd seedling, it could have been preserved, and handed on to succeeding ones. The song expresses the desire of the older generations to preserve and impart to the younger generations, the positive experiences they had in life. After years of strife, hostility and jealousy, the Wanchos homeland was peacefully restored through modernization and education, which is celebrated in the third song. The song discusses how opportunities have been brought about by education and modernity, opening the minds of those who previously lived in animosity.

Format & Duration: Audio: 1 Min 49 Secs
Date of Recording: 7/31/2024
Date of Upload: 9 December 2024
Performer: Mikna Ralong & Lihee Wangnaw
Creator: Lihmai Wangsu
Publisher: Tetso College, Dimapur
Note: This data is strictly for educational and research purposes.

Cite this work

 Lihmai Wangsu. 2024  . Katjo Tsai(Birth Song) (performed by Mikna Ralong & Lihee Wangnaw)  . NEIIPA, Tetso College  . (https://neiipa.in/audio/katjo-tsaibirth-song/)  . Accessed: (24-Jan-2025)