Ohh Folk!!

Weaving holds profound cultural, social, and spiritual significance in Timor-Leste, particularly through the creation of Tais, the traditional handwoven textiles. The craft is deeply rooted in Timorese identity, symbolizing the nation's history, community, and connection to the land. Tais plays an essential role in significant life events, such as births, marriages, and funerals. For example, a bride's family may gift Tais to the g...

Step into a world where myth and reality intertwine, where legends are passed down through generations like precious heirlooms. In this enchanting journey through the heart of Central Asia, we will explore the cultural tapestry and thousands of year old captivating folktales of Uzbekistan! Uzbeki folk tales are more than just a set of tales passed down to generations through oral storytelling traditions. These tales are a window in...

Bangladesh!! A country once described as  "a sleeping beauty emerging from mists and water" by the Chinese traveler and poet Huen Tsang. Mother earth has been generous on this country with an abundance of natural resources, widespread greenery, beautiful coastlines and an extensive range of flora and fauna. Bangladesh is that unique country that fought a long war and gained victory for the sake of their mother language, B...

When we say 'Korea', so many paradoxical images come to mind. While North Korea predominantly continues to stay isolated from the rest of the world, South Korea has made a significant global impact in the last few decades. But in this episode, keeping aside all the paradoxes, let's get to know Korea a bit differently through their thousands of years old culture, oral storytelling tradition, and a unique folktale. Happy ...

In the first interview episode of Ohh Folk, we are in conversation with a very special person, Dr. Csenge Virág Zalka. Dr. Zalka is a professional storyteller and author from Hungary. She is Hungary's first international storyller. She collects, researches, and performs traditional stories in three languages. Csenge holds a master's degree in Storytelling and a PhD in Culture Studies, and has published various books both in...

Yemen - a country torn apart by almost a decade-long civil war was once used to be the epitome of prosperity and wealth. A country that gave us one of our favorite beans that also happens to wake up most of the world every morning - Coffee. In this episode, we will go back and revisit that glorious nation Yemen used to be and discover its true colors through a folktale that has aged like wine or better to say like coffee - still as...

Brunei - A small island country from Asia's largest island Borneo. This pocket sized nation is a treasure house of history, culture, and folklore that dates back into an age beyond any recorded existence. While on the other hand, this is one of the richest countries in the world with the economy primarily being supported by global exports of crude oil, liquefied natural gas, and petroleum products. A land of legends and myths, ...

Sri Lanka, the Land of Serendipity is known for its abundance of natural beauty, timeless historical remains, and folk tradition that dates back thousands of years. Though Sri Lankan culture and social structure are primarily influenced by the predominant Buddhist philosophy, there is also significant influence of Hindu, Islamic, and Christian cultures, representing vast diversity. This heritage and tradition of diversity influence...

The world media has created a certain perception of Pakistan through exaggeration and agenda-setting. But beyond all of these, lies another Pakistan. A country rich in cultural and traditional diversity, literature, music, and folklore. This country is a melting pot of Indian, Persian, Afghan, Central Asian, South Asian, and Western Asian influences. The history of this land goes back to the Bronze Age in Indus Valley Civilization....

In this episode, we travel to Rumi’s land, the land of magic and mysticism. A place where scenic blue lakes crystal clearly reflects the scraping mountains, where hospitality is beyond anything one can even imagine - The land of the Tajiks, Tajikistan!! This age-old Tajik folktale reminds us to value family and the true importance of the people we love. Listen, enjoy and share.

______________________

Social Media:

Instagram: ohhfol...

In this episode, Ohh Folk travels to the Land of Smiles, Cambodia, and brings to you a very old traditional Khmer story. The story might be old but it addresses a deep-rooted social issue that is quite persistent to this date. It makes a refreshingly stark contrast. Interestingly this folk tale is still alive in Cambodia through a very special place. To know more, tune in to this episode. Happy listening :)!!

______________________

In the second episode of Season 2, we travel to Taiwan. This small island country of unexpected beauty has a rich and very old folktale culture but very few have explored it. In this episode, I bring to you a lesser-known Taiwanese folktale that has transcended the litmus test of time and has an extremely fascinating climax. Hope you enjoy listening!! :)

__________________

Social Media:

Instagram: ohhfolk_podcast |

Twitter: OhhFolk...

Every culture around the world relates some special food items with happiness, good luck, positivity, and new beginnings. So as I embark on Season 2 of Ohh Folk, no doubt I had to pick up a fascinating food tale to kick start this new chapter. Food that is beyond just a dish. Food that travels through time. Since the theme of this new season is 'Enchanting Asia', I wanted to pick one such food tale from the corners of the A...

As we are closing the year 2021 on a bittersweet note, it is also time to drop curtains on Season 01 of my podcast Ohh Folk!! In this wrap-up episode, I share with you all the questions that I have received from my listeners over the past many months and especially over the last two weeks through emails, social media, and direct sources. It's interactive and carries all behind the scene tidbits that you wanted to know. And as a...

In the second last episode of 2021, I bring to you another unique and very rare story from Ireland, a land globally known for its folktales, myths, legends, and fairytales. Many a time we hear and narrate stories about sweet and giving fairies. But rarely do we hear stories about mischievous and deceptive faeries. The difference lies not only in the spelling (fairy and faery) or pronunciation but also in the behavior of these mythi...

Ireland is a country of gazillion folktales, myths, legends, and fairytales. While many have been handed down between cultures and traveled the world, there's still quite a handful, unknown to most people. In this episode, I have curated one such very rare ancient Irish folktale and presented it to you!! Not just the tale, there are some fascinating culture stories related to this tale waiting as well. Enjoy this Irish magic. H...

It's that time of the year!! The spooky time... As Halloween is knocking on the door, it's fascinating to look back into the history of Halloween and how it all started? Traditions, myths, and so many stories have time traveled and still continue to be part of our lives in the form of popular customs. In this episode, rather than looking into a single folktale, we dig deep into some of these timeless traditions of Halloween...

Afghanistan is a land of unknowns. So much of the rich heritage and culture of once considered the 'world's friendliest country' is still unknown to the world. This episode brings to you a very well known Afghani folktale, Buzak Chini or Buz-e Chini which is hardly known to the outer world. This story also has a strong cultural significance related to the famous Bamiyan valleys that used to be the home of the iconic Bamiyan Buddhas...

Afghanistan - This name has been the center of news for many years and especially for the past two months for all the wrong reasons. Today, we all have some sort of opinion, information, misinformation, hatred, fear about this country. But how many of us actually know the real Afghanistan? While I can't do much, the least I can is to try and introduce the world to the real diversity of Afghanistan... to the thousands of years o...