Ohh Folk!!

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. Journal of Liberal Arts and Humanities, 1(4), 18–23. https://jlahnet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2.pdf Author Profile: https://uca.edu/psychology/facultystaff/seungyeon-lee/ * Original music score (intro, bumpers, primarily show beds): Abhishek Papan Dutt *Additional audio clips: All additional music beds used in this episode are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License (reuse allowed) Music: Instrumental Music Best Bamboo Flute To Help Study, Sleep and Relax || Traditional Japanese Music || https://youtu.be/MG4e6F_JLNc --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shilpa-dasgupta/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shilpa-dasgupta/support

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 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 - https://freesound.org/ (Please donate and help if you are using their resource) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shilpa-dasgupta/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shilpa-dasgupta/support

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 Abhishek Papan Dutt * All SFX and additional ambiance music pieces - https://freesound.org/ (Please donate and help if you are using their resource) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shilpa-dasgupta/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shilpa-dasgupta/support

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, 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 Folklore Article source: https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au/handle/10072/365267 (This is author's PhD Thesis from Griffith University Australia. The author owns the copyright in this thesis. Item access status has been set to ‘public') * Original music score (intro, bumpers, primarily show beds): by Abhishek Papan Dutt * Additional audio clips: All additional music beds used in this episode are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License (reuse allowed) Music: 3 Hours Ethnic Music: Beautiful Sapeq String Sounds of Borneo Island (with full rural-urban views) | https://youtu.be/oj5Lw5i4A1I * All SFX and additional ambiance music pieces - https://freesound.org/ (Please donate and help if you are using their resource) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shilpa-dasgupta/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shilpa-dasgupta/support

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 Ramaya 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 | https://www.sundaytimes.lk/030810/funday/2.html * Original music score (intro, bumpers, primarily show beds): by Abhishek Papan Dutt * Additional audio clips: All additional music beds used in this episode are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License (reuse allowed) Music: Ambient Nature Music | Nature by Alex-Productions | https://youtu.be/IgXt4IKMNCI Music: Funny Quirky Comedy by Redafs.com, Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License" https://youtu.be/8MgA3SUwFHc * All SFX and additional ambiance music pieces - https://freesound.org/ (Please donate and help if you are using their resource) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shilpa-dasgupta/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shilpa-dasgupta/support

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 episode are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License (reuse allowed) Music: Rabab Music (No Copyright) | Provided By: No Copyright Music Pakistan | Original Link: https://youtu.be/jlOg8L8-Phk Music: Free Balochi Flute Music | Provided by: No Copyright Music Pakistan | Original link: https://youtu.be/E4_ziJbNMss | Visit channel: https://bit.ly/3KXCHSH --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shilpa-dasgupta/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shilpa-dasgupta/support

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) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shilpa-dasgupta/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shilpa-dasgupta/support

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shilpa-dasgupta/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shilpa-dasgupta/support

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shilpa-dasgupta/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shilpa-dasgupta/support

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 Dutt | *External Audio clip credit - 'The Art of Nigiri Sushi' is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License (reuse allowed).Based on a work at https://youtu.be/Ra3IpeYF4Lo --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shilpa-dasgupta/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shilpa-dasgupta/support

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!!

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!!

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. Happy Listening!!

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!!

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!!

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!!

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 Maharasthra 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!

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!

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!

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!