Ohh Folk!!

In this special Lunar New Year 2026 episode of Ohh Folk, we journey to China to explore one of its lesser-known yet deeply meaningful legends, The Silkworm Mother and the White Horse. Set against the rich backdrop of Chinese history and folk tradition, this haunting tale weaves together love, promise, transformation, and the mysterious origins of silk, the textile pride of China. As we step into the Year of the Horse, this story takes on an even deeper resonance, connecting ancient heritage with zodiac symbolism. Join me for the Season 2 finale as we celebrate culture, memory, and the quiet power of stories that deserve to travel beyond borders. Happy Listening!! 🙂 _____________________ Social Media: FB: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/OhhFolk⁠⁠⁠ | Insta: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ohhfolk_podcast/⁠⁠ | X: https://x.com/Ohhfolk_Podcast || _____________________ Opening poem: Gazing Down At The Dark Blue Sea’ by Cao Cao. Translated in English by Vickie Fang published on the website…

High in the folds of the Himalayas lives a mystical and beautiful little mountain kingdom where prayer flags flow effortlessly into blue mountain air, valleys hold centuries of belief, and stories travel faster by word of mouth rather than ink. In this episode of Ohh Folk, one such story begins to stir. From Bhutan’s rich folktale tradition emerges the legend of the Demoness of Teligang, a tale shaped by fear, faith, and the fragile line between protection and destruction. This is a story that asks you to listen slowly and to remember that even the most beautiful places carry shadows. Happy Listening!! 🙂 _____________________ Social Media: FB: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/OhhFolk⁠⁠⁠ | Insta: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ohhfolk_podcast/⁠⁠ | X: https://x.com/Ohhfolk_Podcast || _____________________ Opening music: The Traditional Genre of Bhutanese Music | Bhutan Travel Advisor | Bhutan Rafting |Dochula Pass 360° (Channel: Truly Bhutan Travel) Licensed under Creative Commons (reuse allowed) Link:…

In this episode of Ohh Folk!!, we journey to the vast, windswept steppes of Mongolia—land of extreme climatic conditions, stretches of desert and grassland, eternal blue skies, nomadic wisdom, and ancient epic traditions. As we explore the culture, climate, and folktale heritage of this rugged land, we uncover a powerful myth about a legendary archer, a sky ablaze with seven suns, and a choice that, according to the Mongolian myths, changed the world forever. Happy Listening! 🙂 _____________________ Social Media: FB: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/OhhFolk⁠⁠⁠ | Insta: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ohhfolk_podcast/⁠⁠ | X: https://x.com/Ohhfolk_Podcast || _____________________ Opening music: Mongolian traditional Morin Khuur instrument. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License (reuse allowed) | Channel: Pons Music Treat | Title of the video: Morin khuur Instrument | Link: https://youtu.be/zDPr6d5uXpA?si=s1Em23adOTIujCI2 || Story source:…

In this episode, we journey to the heart of Nepal—a land of towering mountains, ancient temples, and rich cultural diversity. Discover the magic of Nepali folktales, from the mystical spirits of the Himalayas to timeless legends emerging from different ethnic groups. In this episode, we’ll dive deep into the chilling tale of a fearsome man-eating giant from Kathmandu’s folklore who kidnaps and kills children to eat their meat. Blending Hindu, Buddhist, and indigenous beliefs, this story is one of the many that reflect Nepal’s vibrant soul. Get ready for legends as captivating and haunting as the Himalayas themselves! Happy Listening! 🙂 _____________________ Social Media: FB: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/OhhFolk⁠⁠⁠ | Insta: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ohhfolk_podcast/⁠⁠ | X: https://x.com/Ohhfolk_Podcast || ______________________ Opening Music: Resham Firiri by Buddhi Bahadur Pariyar Source: Freesound.org SOL Resham.wav by CasaAsiaSons -- https://freesound.org/s/240815/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial…

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 groom's family during wedding ceremonies as a gesture of goodwill and unity. On the other hand, Tais is also used as an offering to ancestors and spirits in rituals, symbolizing respect and gratitude. In some communities of Timor-Leste, specific Tais patterns are believed to hold protective powers or bring blessings. Tais is also a popular souvenir for visitors to Timor-Leste and a way to promote the nation’s cultural heritage globally. In 2021, Tais was included in UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This episode of Ohh Folk pays tribute to the craft of weaving,…

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 into the soul of a nation, reflecting its values, beliefs, and collective identity. Through these age-old tales, we gain insights into the resilience, resourcefulness, and indomitable spirit of the Uzbek people. Get ready to immerse yourself in the magical world of Uzbeki folktales. Happy Listening! :) _______________________ Social Media: Insta: https://www.instagram.com/ohhfolk_podcast/ | X: https://x.com/Ohhfolk_Podcast | FB: https://www.facebook.com/OhhFolk || _______________________ Story Source: Restructured on content curated from several online resources.…

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, Bengali. And because of this beautiful nation, February 21 is globally identified as the ‘International Mother Language Day’. And in this episode, also going live on February 21, in honor of the Mother Language Day (known as ‘Bhasha Dibosh’ in Bengali), I, a proud Bengali from one part of Bengal (West Bengal, India), pay homage to another part of Bengal (Bangladesh). While borders divide the two Bengals, language and culture have kept them united forever. Bangladesh also happens to be the country of my roots. This is where both my parents and most of my family originally come from. So in this…

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 Listening!! ______________________ Social Media: Instagram: ohhfolk_podcast | Twitter: OhhFolk_Podcast | Facebook: OhhFolk | ______________________ * Korean Folk Song ‘Arirang’ on Violin - Adrita Dutt * Story narrated from the book: The story bag; a collection of Korean folk tales: by Kim, So-un, 1907-1981: Available on Internet Archive: https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780804805483/page/38/mode/2up (Internet Archive is an open access public archive platform) * Lee. (n.d.). The Korean folktale as a literary genre: Traditional values, changing times, and its sociohistorical development.…

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 storyteller. 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 English and Hungarian. She especially enjoys telling long traditional tales. Dr. Zalka currently lives in Budapest, and works as the storytelling program coordinator of the Világszép Foundation for Children in State Care. You can follow her work on her blog (http://multicoloreddiary.blogspot.com) or Mastodon (@TarkabarkaHolgy@ohai.social)______________________ Social Media: Instagram: ohhfolk_podcast | Twitter: OhhFolk_Podcast | Facebook: OhhFolk | ______________________ * Original music score (intro, bumpers, primarily show beds): by Abhishek Papan Dutt * All additional music pieces -…

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 fresh and aromatic as it can be!! Sit back, unwind, and check it out over a cup of freshly brewed coffee!! Happy listening!! ______________________ Social Media: Instagram: ohhfolk_podcast | Twitter: OhhFolk_Podcast | Facebook: OhhFolk | ______________________ * Story narrated from the book: From the Land of Sheba: Yemeni Folk Tales | Retold by Carolyn Han with Kamal Ali al-Hegri. URL: https://archive.org/details/fromlandofsheba00caro/page/n9/mode/2up (Internet Archive is an open access public archive platform) * Original music score (intro, bumpers, primarily show beds): by…

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 to an age beyond any recorded existence. 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, anecdotes, and opulence—that's magical Brunei, and in this episode, I bring to you a magical story from this land. ______________________ Social Media: Instagram: ohhfolk_podcast | Twitter: OhhFolk_Podcast | Facebook: OhhFolk | ______________________ Credits: * Haji Jukim, Maslin. (2017). Brunei Folklore An overview. Article source: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321211375_Brunei_Folklore_An_overview (Maslin Haji Jukim is a lecturer of Malay Literature/Folklore, Universiti Brunei Darussalam) * Mohammad Harunthmarin, Nur Qistin. (2017). Culture, Tradition and the Series of Bruneian…

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 Sri Lanka’s oral folk tradition as well. While stories of Buddha and Ramayana impact the Sri Lankan folk culture significantly, many Sri Lankan folktales are often based on real human characters and animals. For example: the Andare tales. But what is that? To know more listen to this episode of Ohh Folk to discover Sri Lanka is new lenses!! Happy Listening! :) ______________________ Social Media: Instagram: ohhfolk_podcast | Twitter: OhhFolk_Podcast | Facebook: OhhFolk | ______________________ Credits: * News article citation: Sunday Times, Sri Lanka, 2008 |…

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. With people from diverse backgrounds, languages, and dialects, Pakistan is much more than what we perceive. Let's try to know Pakistan a little better through this episode of Ohh Folk! ______________________ Social Media: Instagram: ohhfolk_podcast | Twitter: OhhFolk_Podcast | Facebook: OhhFolk | ______________________ Credits: *Vocals: Srijoni Biswas *Song Credit: Chhaap Tilak Sab Chheeni | Written and composed by: Hazrat Amir Khusro *Original music score (intro, bumpers, primarily show beds): by Abhishek Papan Dutt *Additional audio clips: All additional music beds used in this…

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: ohhfolk_podcast | Twitter: OhhFolk_Podcast | Facebook: OhhFolk | ______________________ Credits: *Original music score (intro, outro, primarily show beds) by Abhishek Papan Dutt | *All SFX and additional ambiance music pieces - https://freesound.org/ (Please donate and help if you are using their resource) | *A version of this story can be found in the book - The Sandalwood box: folk tales from Tadzhikistan (https://archive.org/details/sandalwoodboxfol00balt/page/18/mode/2up) || Producer, host, researcher, writer, editor, promotions, graphics - Shilpa Das Gupta || © 2021 All Rights…

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 :)!! ______________________ Social Media: Instagram: ohhfolk_podcast | Twitter: OhhFolk_Podcast | Facebook: OhhFolk | ______________________ Credits: *Original music score (intro, outro, primarily show beds) by Abhishek Papan Dutt | *All SFX and additional ambiance music pieces - https://freesound.org/ (Please donate and help if you are using their resource) | *External Audio clip credit - 'traditional khmer music' is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License (reuse allowed).Based on a work at https://youtu.be/03BIu0EMH-4 || Producer, host, researcher, writer, editor, promotions, graphics -…

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_Podcast | Facebook: OhhFolk | ______________________ Credits: *Original music score (intro, outro, primarily show beds) by Abhishek Papan Dutt | *All SFX and additional ambiance music pieces - https://freesound.org/ (Please donate and help if you are using their resource) | *A version of this story can be found in the book - Taiwan Folktales: Proverbs, Folk Sayings, and Folktales from Taiwan || Producer, host, researcher, writer, editor, promotions, graphics - Shilpa Das Gupta || © 2021 All Rights Reserved to Shilpa Das Gupta |

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 Asian continent. And I had no dearth! I picked up an Asian food that is loved and adored throughout the globe - Sushi!! Besides being one of the top favorites of food lovers, Sushi is a time traveler! It has shaped and reshaped itself as unfolded through pages of history. In the first episode of Season Two, I unravel the fascinating tale of Sushi all the way from Japan. ______________________ Social Media: Instagram: ohhfolk_podcast | Twitter: OhhFolk_Podcast | Facebook: OhhFolk | ______________________ Credits: *Original music score (intro, outro, primarily show beds) by Abhishek Papan…

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 bonus, we have a guest in the show as well. So loads of stuff waiting for you! Do check it out. Happy Listening!! 😊 ______________________ Social Media: Instagram: ohhfolk_podcast | Twitter: OhhFolk_Podcast | Facebook: OhhFolk | ______________________ Credits: *Original music score (intro, outro, primarily show beds) by Abhishek Papan Dutt | * Please follow Abhishek Papan Dutt's Facebook page for his musical releases - https://www.facebook.com/papanerpage *Opening and closing song - "Heal The World" by Michael Jackson | Cover (2 verses) by Shilpa and Abhishek _______________________…

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 mythical characters. In this story, we step into the world of the faeries and know them a little more!! Enjoy another Irish magic. Happy Listening!! 😊 ______________________ Social Media: Instagram: ohhfolk_podcast | Twitter: OhhFolk_Podcast | Facebook: OhhFolk | ______________________ Credits: *Original music score (intro, outro, primarily show beds) by Abhishek Papan Dutt | *All SFX and additional ambiance music pieces - https://freesound.org/ (Please donate and help if you are using their resource) | *Opening poem - "The Faeries" by William Allingham | *The story can also be read at…

Ireland is a country of gazillion folktales, myths, legends, and fairytales. While many have been handed down across cultures and traveled the world, there's still quite a handful that are 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. Happy Listening!! 😊 ______________________ Social Media: Instagram: ohhfolk_podcast | Twitter: OhhFolk_Podcast | Facebook: OhhFolk | ______________________ Credits: *Original music score (intro, outro, primarily show beds) by Abhishek Papan Dutt | *All SFX and additional ambiance music pieces - https://freesound.org/ (Please donate and help if you are using their resource) | *Opening poem - “The Last Rose Of Summer” by Thomas Moore | *Book: Beside The Fire, A collection of Irish Gaelic Folktales. Edited by Douglas Hyde https://www.gutenberg.org/files/60782/60782-h/60782-h.htm…

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. And did you know how 'trick-or-treating' became part of Halloween? We unravel that as well. Enjoy this ride down the spooky lane. Happy Listening!! 😊 ______________________ Social Media: Instagram: ohhfolk_podcast | Twitter: OhhFolk_Podcast | Facebook: OhhFolk | ______________________ Credits: *Original music score (intro, outro, primarily show beds) by Abhishek Papan Dutt | *All SFX and additional ambiance music pieces - https://freesound.org/ (Please donate and help if you are using their resource) | *Opening poem - The Lament of the Hag of Beara (Author: unknown) | *Information…

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 until they were brought down. Enjoy this ride down the heritage lane. Happy Listening!! 😊 ______________________ Social Media: Instagram: ohhfolk_podcast | Twitter: OhhFolk_Podcast | Facebook: OhhFolk | ______________________ Credits: *Original music score (intro, outro, primarily show bed) by Abhishek Papan Dutt | *All SFX and additional ambience music pieces - https://freesound.org/ (Please donate and help if you are using their resource) | *Opening verse by Shilpa DasGupta | _______________________ || Producer, host, researcher, writer, editor, promotions, graphics - Shilpa Das…

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 old Afghani culture. And what can be a better way to do so than to bring to you a very old, almost forgotten Afghani folktale. Enjoy the story and get to know the rare but real face of this misunderstood country. Happy Listening!! 😊 ______________________ Social Media: Instagram: ohhfolk_podcast | Twitter: OhhFolk_Podcast | Facebook: OhhFolk | ______________________ Credits: *Original music score (intro, outro, primarily show bed) by Abhishek Papan Dutt | *SFX - https://freesound.org/ (Please donate and help if you are using their resource) | *Opening poem: Love by Rabia Balkhi |…

In my fourth episode, I take you on a trip to lesser-known terrains in the Western part of India. Not to any popular destination like Maharashtra or Rajasthan but to the much lesser-known hidden paradise of the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Enwrapped in old-world Portuguese influence, this place is laid back, serene, and majestically beautiful. A place that still holds and preserves the folk culture very strongly. Enjoy the ride and Happy listening! 😊 ______________________ Social Media: Instagram: ohhfolk_podcast | Twitter: OhhFolk_Podcast | Facebook: OhhFolk | ______________________ Credits: *Original music score (intro, outro, primarily show bed) by Abhishek Papan Dutt | *SFX - https://freesound.org/ (Please donate and help if you are using their resource) | *Opening excerpt from the book: The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri | *Additional information credit: Mr. Bijal Shah *Tarpa tribal music snippet from open free accessible public archive | _______________________ || Producer, host, researcher,…

In my third episode, I take you to the Southern part of India, where we will cross a not-so-regular river with a religious guru and his disciples. Enjoy the story and don't miss a very unique 'Folk Fact' of this episode. Happy listening! 😊 ______________________ Social Media: Instagram: ohhfolk_podcast | Twitter: OhhFolk_Podcast | Facebook: OhhFolk | ______________________ Credits: *Original music score (intro, outro, primarily show bed) by Abhishek Papan Dutt | *Opening poem ( first two paragraphs): The Storyteller by Mike Jones *SFX - https://freesound.org/ (Please donate and help if you are using their resource) | _______________________ || Producer, host, researcher, writer, editor, promotions, graphics - Shilpa Das Gupta || © 2021 All Rights Reserved to Shilpa Das Gupta |

In my second episode, I take you to the Eastern part of India, and this time it is a unique folktale about a very special and widely loved dessert of India, 'Malpua'. Enjoy the story and immerse yourself in the unique sweetness of life. Happy listening! 😊 ______________________ Social Media: Instagram: ohhfolk_podcast | Twitter: OhhFolk_Podcast | Facebook: OhhFolk | ______________________ Credits: *Original music score (intro, outro, primarily show bed) by Abhishek Papan Dutt | *Opening song ( first verse cover): The Story by Brandi Carlile *Buddhist Chant from open free accessible public archive | * Other background music pieces used (Adobe stock preview snippet clips only): Careful Folk: Audio source: Jamendo, Adobe Stock Asset ID: #449234567 | ______________________ Malpua dessert recipe Ingredients For pancakes Milk 1 1/2 litres Refined flour 3 tablespoons Mawa (khoya) dried evaporated milk solids grated 50 grams Green cardamom powder 1/2 teaspoon Ghee (Indian clarified butter) for shallow frying For…

As I embark on this fascinating journey of podcasts, my travel begins from my roots, India. In my very first episode, I bring to you an ancient and rarely known story from the traditional Khasi tribes of North-east India. Their belief of how Earth was formed is unique and fascinating. Give it a listen and travel to the enchanting mountains of Northern India. Happy listening! 😊 _______________________ Social Media: Instagram: ohhfolk_podcast | Twitter: OhhFolk_Podcast | Facebook: OhhFolk | ______________________ Credits: *Original music score (intro, outro, primarily show bed) by Abhishek Papan Dutt | *SFX - https://freesound.org/ (Please donate and help if you are using their resource) | *Other background music pieces used (Adobe stock preview snippet clips only): 1. Bombay Nights: Artists: Jon Björk Composers: Jon Björk, Audio source: Epidemic Sound, Adobe Stock Asset ID: #357623435 2. Medicine-of-Kokopelli-(Native-American-Flute): Audio source: Jamendo, Adobe Stock Asset ID: #353730299 |…