The Clever Nana and the Magic Pumpkin

A clever grandmother escapes in a pumpkin while a wolf and tiger argue. Songs in Marathi, Hindi and English, with spoken narration in five other languages.

Granny took the woodland way, To her daughter’s home to stay.

A hungry wolf came into view, “I’m so hungry—I’ll eat you!”

Granny said, “Just look at me, I’m skin and bones, as you can see! At my daughter’s, I will dine, Ghee and bread will suit me fine. In four days, I’ll come your way, Then you can have your feast that day!” Wolf said, “Go, but don’t be late! Right here in the woods I’ll wait!”

Then a tiger blocked the way, “You’ll be my tasty meal today!” “First I’ll eat some ghee and bread, Then come back to you,” she said. “Let me get all plump and round, Then there’s more to eat, I’ve found!”

Tiger said, “Then don’t be late! Here among the trees I’ll wait!”

Daughter hugged her at the door, Served her bread, and then some more. Four days passed with lots of cheer, Then poor Granny shook with fear.

“Wolf and Tiger wait for me! How can I get home?” said she.

Daughter said, “Here’s what we’ll do, This big pumpkin’s just for you! Climb inside and hide away, They won’t see you on your way!” Granny climbed in, tucked up small, Then called through the pumpkin wall—

Roll, my pumpkin, tum-ti-tum! Down the path—here we come! Round and round, what jolly fun! Roll, my pumpkin, run, run, run!

Through the woods the pumpkin rolled, Tiger called out, loud and bold, “Pumpkin, pumpkin, tell me true, Did old Granny pass by you?” “Granny? Who?” came her reply, “Just a pumpkin rolling by!” Then she sang and rolled away, Bouncing down the forest way— Roll, my pumpkin, tum-ti-tum! Down the path—here we come! Round and round, what jolly fun! Roll, my pumpkin, run, run, run!

Tiger sensed a sneaky trick, Chased the pumpkin, fast and quick! Then Wolf stopped her rolling ride, Pulled poor Granny from inside. “You tricked me once, but now you’re through! Granny, I am eating you!”

Tiger came and shouted, “No! She is mine! Now let her go!” “I will eat her!” “No, she’s mine!” Both cried out, “It’s time to dine!” Wolf and Tiger stood their ground, Arguing with growls all round.

While they quarreled, full of pride, Granny slipped back safe inside! Granny whispered, “Off we go, Roll away, and keep down low!” While the two fought by a tree, Off she rolled, as pleased could be! Wolf and Tiger missed their treat, Clever Granny saved her seat! Safe inside, she rolled away, And lived to tell her tale that day!

Roll, my pumpkin, tum-ti-tum! Down the path—here we come! Round and round, what jolly fun! Roll, my pumpkin, run, run, run!

Roll, my pumpkin, tum-ti-tum! Home we go—here we come!