01. Oja Mangi, Khamba Thoibi sessions: Ukai Kappa, pt. 1

Oja Mangi Khamba Thoibi sessions: Ukai Kappa ( recorded January -20 -2015) For more information visit: http://sevensistersmusic.com/

Sequence: This is the beginning of the episode known as the "Ukai Kappa".

Back story: The Ukai Kappa is an omen seeking ritual performed by the Meitei royal court. At the time of the change of seasons from Autumn to Winter it is the custom and responsibility of the Meitei royal court to conduct ritual events to symbolically defeat the dark forces and ensure a safe Winter season. The ritual has the King and his family shooting the Ukai, a totem figure that represents the evil spirits. In the process, omens and predictions are forecast for the coming year depending on the outcome of where and how on the Ukai the arrows hit. The event is a highly anticipated festival of great ritual importance, and is also an exciting and tension filled sporting contest involving skill and nerves. After the Ukai Kappa, martial arts games are presented as entertainment.

The session starts with Oja singing an ode describing the merits of Khamba, his beauty, his innocence, his good character and attributes. Khamba having won the racing contest and other sporting events and in turn revealed as the son of the late are revered aristocrat Puremba, is now accepted into Moirang’s court circle. Because of his heroic deeds and humble nature he has gained a fast growing following of well-wishers and admirers. Oja’s song of praise goes on for about 10 minutes. The story then continues with the prelude to the Ukai Kappa.
The King states he is going to make a grand announcement. As Khamba reaches the Kangla court he ceremonially gives his respect by bowing in a beautiful fashion. The king is highly impressed by Khamba’s demeanor and success in catching the bull, and asks him to sit next to him. All the main characters of the story have come to gather at the court and each personality is described. Finally all the court including the ladies have made their appearance and are assembled. The king now makes an announcement. He proclaims that this has been a very good year. So they will do the Ukai Kappa. For the celebration everyone including the hill tribe folk will put on new clothes for the occasion. This years event is promised to be extra grand and beautiful and preparations will be made to this effect. Also now with the appearance of Khamba on the social scene a great deal of interest and excitement has been aroused by the people. So everyone is really excited and filled with anticipation. Everyone leaves and makes their plans for what will surely be a memorable Ukai Kappa.

Recorded January -20 -2015, by Byron Aihara for Seven Sisters Music, copyright, Oja Khangembam Mangi Singh and Byron Aihara