Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Genre: Folklore, Indian Literature, Mythology, Short Stories

Book Review:
''Where Gods Dwell: A Treasure Trove of Himalayan Folktales and Legends''

Kusum Budhwar's ''Where Gods Dwell'' is a delightful and enchanting collection of folktales and legends from the Central Himalayas, a region known as Devbhoomi, the land of the gods. In this region, there is a story for every mountain, river, and tree, and Budhwar brings these stories to life for readers outside the region.

The book introduces us to the rich and rarely translated folk literature of Kumaon and Garhwal. Budhwar retells these tales in a colorful and exuberant style, capturing the whimsy and imagination of the original stories. They are tales of high adventure, luminous love and romance, benevolent pastoral gods, local heroes, brave medieval warriors, and sacred sites. Some are historical anecdotes, others are pure fantasy, but all are equally popular in the region and little known outside.

The book is arranged in sections, each focusing on a particular theme. It opens with Nanda Devi, the patron goddess of the region, believed to be the daughter of the Himalayas. Subsequent sections introduce us to the enchanting adventure sagas of the Ramola clan (the Ramola Gathas), the romantic ballads ''Malushahi'' and ''Haru Heet,'' the tale of Chyongompa, the demon bird, and the simple, faith-filled stories of local gods and goddesses like Golu Dev and Devmangala.

What makes this collection so special is its ability to transport the reader to another world. The stories resonate with the cheerful cadences of mountain streams and the dark silence of the forests. They offer not only entertainment but also a rare glimpse into the culture, life, and society of the people of the region, whose lives are shaped by the rugged terrain they inhabit and who revere the mountains on which they make their home.

''Where Gods Dwell'' is a treasure trove of Himalayan folklore, a book to be savored and shared. It is essential reading for anyone interested in Indian folk literature, mythology, or the rich cultural heritage of the Himalayas. A true gem.