Ohh Folk!!

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...