Unlocking the Vault of Myths & Legends: A Magnificent Collection of Folk Tales Unveiled!
“The Whispering Mountains: Marvelous Folktales from the Himalayas”, edited and compiled by Namita Gokhale and Malashri Lal, is nothing short of a literary treasure trove—a mesmerizing collection of folktales that echo the spirit, wisdom, and wonder of the mighty Himalayas. Like an ancient storyteller weaving magic by the firelight, this anthology gathers the essence of folklore from across the vast and rugged expanse of the Himalayas, each tale brimming with intrigue, morality, and enchantment.
Within its pages lie thirty extraordinary folktales, each carrying the pulse of a different land, whispering secrets of the mountains, rivers, and valleys. From the spellbinding “The Enormous Frog” of Sikkim to the poignant “Dadi Mata” of Jammu, these tales transcend time, immersing readers in the rich oral traditions of the region.
Diversity is the very lifeblood of this collection, and every tale unfurls its own truth, its own lesson. “The Enormous Frog” reveals how intelligence and cunning can triumph over brute strength. “Kherenghar: The Heavenly Flower” unveils the tragic consequences of unchecked greed, while “The Vengeful Devil” warns of innocence lost to corruption and darkness. “The Yak Herder” shines as a testament to the quiet yet formidable power of sincerity and virtue. “Dadi Mata” stands as an eternal relic of the oral storytelling tradition, passed down through generations, while “Chhara and Nahia” once again reminds us of greed’s insidious grasp and the perils it invites.
Though diverse in origin, these tales resonate with a universal and timeless essence, their echoes reverberating through the fabric of human experience. Like an invisible thread binding the past to the present, the salient aspects of Himalayan folklore—its wisdom, mysticism, and raw truths—are intricately woven into each narrative. These are not merely stories; they are eternal whispers carried by the wind, their lessons as profound today as they were in the days of old.
Every page hums with the echoes of forgotten voices, every story a window into the soul of the Himalayas. This collection is not merely a book—it is a journey, a reverie, an invitation to step into a world where legends breathe and the mountains whisper their ancient truths.
From Bhutan emerge three captivating tales, each a testament to the nation’s profound storytelling legacy. These narratives, masterfully contributed by three esteemed Bhutanese luminaries—Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, Ashi Kunzang Choden Roder, and Mr. Tshering Tashi—are more than mere folklore; they are living echoes of Bhutan’s cultural soul. Each tale, steeped in wisdom and wonder, weaves together the past and present, illuminating the rich oral traditions that have shaped Bhutanese identity for generations. Through their words, the timeless magic of Bhutanese storytelling breathes anew, inviting readers into a realm where history, myth, and imagination entwine in an eternal dance.
“A Tale of Pema”, contributed by Her Majesty Gyalyum Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, is a testament to resilience, sacrifice, and the unyielding power of the human spirit, and reflects some of humanity’s deepest convictions; dialogue over division, reconciliation over ruin, courage over complacency. It is a whisper of an eternal truth—it is an invocation. A call to awaken! A reminder that even in a fractured world, peace is always within reach! Speaking at the function, Her Majesty said. “The Himalayan Mountains have whispered most marvelously in this book.”
All that remains is for you to seize a copy of the book—to unveil the truth, to feel the whispers of the Mountains, their doors and windows locking and unlocking into different worlds and tales.
Hosted by the Nehru Wangchuck Cultural Center, India House, and Bhutan Echoes on March 22, 2025, the launch of the book was graced by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck and Her Royal Highness Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, who unveiled the book and addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of preserving Bhutan’s oral storytelling traditions.
The event was also addressed by His Excellency Sudhakar Dalela, Ambassador of India to Bhutan; Her Excellency May-Elin Stener, Ambassador of Norway to India and Bhutan; and author Namita Gokhale. Guests enjoyed engaging readings from the book, followed by insightful discussions on the role of folklore in preserving cultural heritage. A special highlight of the evening was a lucky draw, where attendees had the opportunity to win a signed copy of the book. The event concluded with a high tea reception, providing a platform for meaningful conversations between guests, authors, and literary enthusiasts. The successful Bhutanese launch of The Whispering Mountains reaffirms Bhutan Echoes’ commitment to promoting literature and preserving the region’s storytelling traditions for future generations.
Ugyen Tenzin from Thimphu
