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  • Home
  • About
    • The Initiative
    • The Team
    • Our Partners
    • Our Volunteers
  • Stories
    • States
      • Gujarat
      • Himachal Pradesh
      • Kerala
      • Ladakh
      • Maharashtra
      • Meghalaya
      • Uttarakhand
    • Languages
      • Hindi
        • Written (Hindi)
        • Audio (Hindi)
      • Dangi
      • Gujarati
      • Marathi
      • Malayalam
  • Get involved
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  • The Abode of Snakes

    October 15, 2020 /

    A guide from the Dang tribe of Baradpani village in Gujarat shares how a snake tried to save his life... and why he feels responsible for protecting it

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    Bhaskar Narayan Dalvi
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Voices of Rural India is a not-for-profit initiative that aims to revolutionize storytelling. For perhaps the first time, we bring you curated stories of rural India… in rural voices.

We hope to turn the unprecedented Covid-19 crisis into an opportunity to upgrade digital skills and create alternate livelihoods among rural communities, while building a repository of knowledge and traditions that are slowly fading away.

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Ladakh
Himachal Pradesh
Uttarakhand

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“One of the most unique beliefs of the ancient i “One of the most unique beliefs of the ancient indigenous Garo people is their faith in the⁣ one supreme spirit, who is the creator of all universes and preserver of all living beings.⁣ ⁣ The avatar of the one supreme being that acts as the preserver and protector of humans is⁣ known as ‘Kalkame’...The Garo people offer sacrifice to him once a year, thanking him for⁣ his work and praying for his continued protection.⁣ ⁣ Traditionally, the place where the sacrifice is offered is preserved as a forest. It is home to⁣ different kinds of animals and birds. It is a vast forest area where no one can hunt, kill, or⁣ harm any living beings, including animals, birds, insects, and even plants and trees. No one⁣ can even touch anything from that area, you cannot even spit there. It is a strong belief that⁣ if anyone disobeys, they will get sick, so everyone avoids making any mistakes in a sacred⁣ forest…⁣ ⁣ The practice of offering sacrifice continued till 1989 when it was stopped as most members⁣ of our tribe converted to Christianity. Though we no longer offer sacrifice to ‘Kalkame’, we⁣ have continued to preserve the forest as a village tradition, and will keep doing so in the⁣ future as well.”⁣ ⁣ A tremendous narrative of how the Garo tribe’s faith and indigenous traditions in Meghalaya⁣ continue to remain rooted in nature. ⁣ ⁣ Have you read this amazing story by Witerson M.⁣Sangma yet? Read/hear audio snippets in English on voicesofruralindia.org or through our bio link.
The spellbinding beauty of Ladakh can turn anyone The spellbinding beauty of Ladakh can turn anyone into a poet or philosopher. But imagine, if you will, an unexplored Ladakh. A wondrous land where beauty,⁣ celebrations, and simplicity of living are magnified a hundred times over.⁣ ⁣ What is more intriguing, a 600-year-old tradition on the banks of Pangong Tso or a⁣ postman searching for petroglyphs in a remote valley while delivering mail? ⁣ ⁣ What is⁣ more fascinating, the stargazing ritual of a local community or the tale of flying fairies⁣ building monasteries in a single night?⁣ ⁣ This is the Ladakh that our storytellers call home. An unseen Ladakh that exists in⁣ Stanzin Dolkar’s pursuit of stars, Tsewang Dorje’s love of the Deram Chenmo festival,⁣ and Tsering Dorje’s connection with his roots.⁣ ⁣ Journey to the heart of Ladakh and what makes it truly special. To take you there, we’ve⁣ curated a collection of all our stories offering glimpses of Ladakhi life. From anecdotes,⁣ legends, and personal beliefs - our storytellers share all! ⁣ ⁣ Go read "Stories from Unexplored Ladakh" on voicesofruralindia.org or through the link in our bio. And if you’ve read⁣ them already, let us know which one/s you've enjoyed the most 😊
You don’t need to travel to Egypt to see mummies You don’t need to travel to Egypt to see mummies! Have you heard of the Giu Mummy in Spiti⁣ Valley? Flanked by Tibet to the east and Ladakh to the north, snow-laden peaks of the⁣ Trans-Himalayas surround the small village of Giu. This village of 250 people has a famous⁣ resident - the self-mummified body of Lama Kambo or Sangha Tenzin.⁣ ⁣ “In the 14th century, an extraordinary child was born in Giu. He was named Sangha Tenzin. He⁣ mastered the local Bhoti language, and went on to excel in every field of study. Thereafter, he⁣ embarked on the path of Buddhism, giving up all worldly pleasures to become a lama (monk).⁣ He spent years deep in meditation in a cave, ultimately gaining enlightenment.” writes⁣ Chhering Norbu @chhering.norbu ⁣ This is the incredible story of a lama who vowed to protect Giu 550 years ago. Today, his blood,⁣ hair, and nails are evidence that he still does! Lama Kambo continues to sit in a meditating⁣ posture, protecting the village of Giu. ⁣ ⁣ Discover the mystery of the Giu Mummy through Norbu’s⁣ story.⁣ Visit the link in our bio or voicesofruralindia.org to read!
"When I think of barley, I think of the first rays "When I think of barley, I think of the first rays of the morning sun behind the Panchachuli⁣ peaks, gently catching the dew drops on the stalks. I think of the white snowflakes on the lush⁣ green fields.⁣ ⁣ When the ripening ears of barley sway in the breeze across our stepped mountain fields, I often⁣ think they are swaying together in a duska, our mountain folk dance."⁣ ⁣ Rekha Rautela’s lovely story ‘A Culture in a Grain’ captures the disappearance and return of⁣ barley, the king of grains in Munsiyari, Uttarakhand. ⁣ ⁣Read in⁣ English/Hindi on voicesofruralindia.org or check the link in our bio.
*MEET THE STORYTELLER* Paras Ram Bharti worked wit *MEET THE STORYTELLER* Paras Ram Bharti worked with the Himachal Pradesh Police for 18⁣ years - as constable, head constable, and investigation officer. He’s also a trained Commando⁣ and Motor Cycle Rider.⁣ ⁣ In 2016, he began working as a tour guide in the Great Himalayan National Park and hosts⁣ travelers at a small homestay called Tirthan Riverview Homestay in Ropajani village, near⁣ Gushaini. Since 2018, he has also worked as a media freelancer in Tirthan Valley. Paras grows⁣ chemical-free vegetables in his kitchen garden and enjoys writing, trekking, fishing, natural⁣ farming, and social service.⁣ ⁣ Growing up alongside the roaring, crystal waters of the Tirthan River is one of his most definitive⁣ childhood memories.⁣ ⁣ “I was born just 100 yards from the Tirthan River, in Ropajani, the first village to settle on its left⁣ banks. I grew up playing, jumping, swimming, and fishing in this mighty river, on the edge of the⁣ Great Himalayan National Park in the Tirthan Valley of Himachal Pradesh.”⁣ ⁣ The same river today has rampant illegal poaching and chokes with garbage, plastic, and⁣ e-waste. In his compelling story, Paras traces the course of a river once pristine. ⁣ ⁣ He urges all of⁣ us to act now before this precious natural heritage is lost forever. Read on⁣ voicesofruralinda.org or through the link in our bio.
⁣ *NEW* An ex-police officer from the Ropajani v ⁣ *NEW* An ex-police officer from the Ropajani village of Himachal Pradesh writes about his childhood by the Tirthan River and the dire need to conserve it.⁣ ⁣ "Until recently, we used the water of Tirthan River as drinking water. Originating from the glaciers of Tirth Top, about 4000 metres above sea level, this water was pure, safe and completely pollution-free until it reached Gushaini. Several diseases could be cured simply by consuming this pure ⁣glacial water... ⁣ The water of the Tirthan River is no longer fit for drinking beyond Gushaini. Garbage and sewage have polluted the water. The indigenous gharaats (flour mills) are on the verge of extinction. The habitat of marine life is shrinking. Considering that the entire valley depends on the river for employment, tourism and agriculture, it is critical that we step forward with long-term conservation efforts to save our precious natural heritage."⁣ ⁣ An ode to a river. A call to action. Read Paras Ram Bharti's story "The Rise and Fall of a Great River" on voicesofruralindia.org Supported by @himalayanecotourism
Voices of Rural India has a new media partner - Th Voices of Rural India has a new media partner - ThePrint! We’re excited to be sharing these⁣ amazing stories with more readers!⁣ 😊 ⁣ This month, editors at ThePrint republished a story by Chhering Norbu @chhering.norbu - one of the few⁣ remaining practitioners of ‘Sowa Rigpa’ or traditional Tibetan medicine in Spiti Valley. A fascinating⁣ narrative made possible with the support of @spitiecosphere 💚 ⁣ Read the complete story on https://theprint.in/opinion/why-the-people-of-spiti-eat-stones/543337/⁣ ⁣ And do keep a lookout for our stories on @theprintindia each month! #voicesofruralindia #digitalstorytelling #ruralindia
*MEET THE STORYTELLER* As a “traveling librarian *MEET THE STORYTELLER* As a “traveling librarian” Radhamani chechi makes books accessible⁣ for the community in her village of Mothakkara, in Kerala's Wayanad district. She walks several kilometers every day⁣ to deliver books across the village. During her commute, she also manages to work with⁣ cooperative banking societies to develop financial plans for several families.⁣⁣ ⁣ “I love everything about my job... My job has taught me the most important lesson of life –⁣ what you give is what you reap. I treat all the library members with affection and care, and I⁣ earn respect from all in return...I feel very content that at 63 years of age, I am able to walk up⁣ to 4 kilometers every day, delivering books to people and being their 'walking library'”, says⁣ Radhamani⁣.⁣ ⁣ She’s also an avid storyteller and frontier campaigner for sustainable community development⁣ programs. Radhamani is a familiar face in the government as the President of the Panchayat-led⁣ women’s society group - Kudumbashree. She heads the organic farming group 'Pournima'⁣ and is also involved with multiple industries such as the soap⁣⁣ making unit and Ayurveda medicinal unit in Mothakkara.⁣⁣ ⁣ Have you read this incredible story yet? Head straightaway to the link in our bio or⁣ voicesofruralindia.org to read in English or Malayalam. . #voicesofruralindia #wayanad #responsibletravel #kerala
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@voicesofruralindia

“One of the most unique beliefs of the ancient i “One of the most unique beliefs of the ancient indigenous Garo people is their faith in the⁣ one supreme spirit, who is the creator of all universes and preserver of all living beings.⁣ ⁣ The avatar of the one supreme being that acts as the preserver and protector of humans is⁣ known as ‘Kalkame’...The Garo people offer sacrifice to him once a year, thanking him for⁣ his work and praying for his continued protection.⁣ ⁣ Traditionally, the place where the sacrifice is offered is preserved as a forest. It is home to⁣ different kinds of animals and birds. It is a vast forest area where no one can hunt, kill, or⁣ harm any living beings, including animals, birds, insects, and even plants and trees. No one⁣ can even touch anything from that area, you cannot even spit there. It is a strong belief that⁣ if anyone disobeys, they will get sick, so everyone avoids making any mistakes in a sacred⁣ forest…⁣ ⁣ The practice of offering sacrifice continued till 1989 when it was stopped as most members⁣ of our tribe converted to Christianity. Though we no longer offer sacrifice to ‘Kalkame’, we⁣ have continued to preserve the forest as a village tradition, and will keep doing so in the⁣ future as well.”⁣ ⁣ A tremendous narrative of how the Garo tribe’s faith and indigenous traditions in Meghalaya⁣ continue to remain rooted in nature. ⁣ ⁣ Have you read this amazing story by Witerson M.⁣Sangma yet? Read/hear audio snippets in English on voicesofruralindia.org or through our bio link.
The spellbinding beauty of Ladakh can turn anyone The spellbinding beauty of Ladakh can turn anyone into a poet or philosopher. But imagine, if you will, an unexplored Ladakh. A wondrous land where beauty,⁣ celebrations, and simplicity of living are magnified a hundred times over.⁣ ⁣ What is more intriguing, a 600-year-old tradition on the banks of Pangong Tso or a⁣ postman searching for petroglyphs in a remote valley while delivering mail? ⁣ ⁣ What is⁣ more fascinating, the stargazing ritual of a local community or the tale of flying fairies⁣ building monasteries in a single night?⁣ ⁣ This is the Ladakh that our storytellers call home. An unseen Ladakh that exists in⁣ Stanzin Dolkar’s pursuit of stars, Tsewang Dorje’s love of the Deram Chenmo festival,⁣ and Tsering Dorje’s connection with his roots.⁣ ⁣ Journey to the heart of Ladakh and what makes it truly special. To take you there, we’ve⁣ curated a collection of all our stories offering glimpses of Ladakhi life. From anecdotes,⁣ legends, and personal beliefs - our storytellers share all! ⁣ ⁣ Go read "Stories from Unexplored Ladakh" on voicesofruralindia.org or through the link in our bio. And if you’ve read⁣ them already, let us know which one/s you've enjoyed the most 😊
You don’t need to travel to Egypt to see mummies You don’t need to travel to Egypt to see mummies! Have you heard of the Giu Mummy in Spiti⁣ Valley? Flanked by Tibet to the east and Ladakh to the north, snow-laden peaks of the⁣ Trans-Himalayas surround the small village of Giu. This village of 250 people has a famous⁣ resident - the self-mummified body of Lama Kambo or Sangha Tenzin.⁣ ⁣ “In the 14th century, an extraordinary child was born in Giu. He was named Sangha Tenzin. He⁣ mastered the local Bhoti language, and went on to excel in every field of study. Thereafter, he⁣ embarked on the path of Buddhism, giving up all worldly pleasures to become a lama (monk).⁣ He spent years deep in meditation in a cave, ultimately gaining enlightenment.” writes⁣ Chhering Norbu @chhering.norbu ⁣ This is the incredible story of a lama who vowed to protect Giu 550 years ago. Today, his blood,⁣ hair, and nails are evidence that he still does! Lama Kambo continues to sit in a meditating⁣ posture, protecting the village of Giu. ⁣ ⁣ Discover the mystery of the Giu Mummy through Norbu’s⁣ story.⁣ Visit the link in our bio or voicesofruralindia.org to read!
"When I think of barley, I think of the first rays "When I think of barley, I think of the first rays of the morning sun behind the Panchachuli⁣ peaks, gently catching the dew drops on the stalks. I think of the white snowflakes on the lush⁣ green fields.⁣ ⁣ When the ripening ears of barley sway in the breeze across our stepped mountain fields, I often⁣ think they are swaying together in a duska, our mountain folk dance."⁣ ⁣ Rekha Rautela’s lovely story ‘A Culture in a Grain’ captures the disappearance and return of⁣ barley, the king of grains in Munsiyari, Uttarakhand. ⁣ ⁣Read in⁣ English/Hindi on voicesofruralindia.org or check the link in our bio.
*MEET THE STORYTELLER* Paras Ram Bharti worked wit *MEET THE STORYTELLER* Paras Ram Bharti worked with the Himachal Pradesh Police for 18⁣ years - as constable, head constable, and investigation officer. He’s also a trained Commando⁣ and Motor Cycle Rider.⁣ ⁣ In 2016, he began working as a tour guide in the Great Himalayan National Park and hosts⁣ travelers at a small homestay called Tirthan Riverview Homestay in Ropajani village, near⁣ Gushaini. Since 2018, he has also worked as a media freelancer in Tirthan Valley. Paras grows⁣ chemical-free vegetables in his kitchen garden and enjoys writing, trekking, fishing, natural⁣ farming, and social service.⁣ ⁣ Growing up alongside the roaring, crystal waters of the Tirthan River is one of his most definitive⁣ childhood memories.⁣ ⁣ “I was born just 100 yards from the Tirthan River, in Ropajani, the first village to settle on its left⁣ banks. I grew up playing, jumping, swimming, and fishing in this mighty river, on the edge of the⁣ Great Himalayan National Park in the Tirthan Valley of Himachal Pradesh.”⁣ ⁣ The same river today has rampant illegal poaching and chokes with garbage, plastic, and⁣ e-waste. In his compelling story, Paras traces the course of a river once pristine. ⁣ ⁣ He urges all of⁣ us to act now before this precious natural heritage is lost forever. Read on⁣ voicesofruralinda.org or through the link in our bio.
⁣ *NEW* An ex-police officer from the Ropajani v ⁣ *NEW* An ex-police officer from the Ropajani village of Himachal Pradesh writes about his childhood by the Tirthan River and the dire need to conserve it.⁣ ⁣ "Until recently, we used the water of Tirthan River as drinking water. Originating from the glaciers of Tirth Top, about 4000 metres above sea level, this water was pure, safe and completely pollution-free until it reached Gushaini. Several diseases could be cured simply by consuming this pure ⁣glacial water... ⁣ The water of the Tirthan River is no longer fit for drinking beyond Gushaini. Garbage and sewage have polluted the water. The indigenous gharaats (flour mills) are on the verge of extinction. The habitat of marine life is shrinking. Considering that the entire valley depends on the river for employment, tourism and agriculture, it is critical that we step forward with long-term conservation efforts to save our precious natural heritage."⁣ ⁣ An ode to a river. A call to action. Read Paras Ram Bharti's story "The Rise and Fall of a Great River" on voicesofruralindia.org Supported by @himalayanecotourism
Voices of Rural India has a new media partner - Th Voices of Rural India has a new media partner - ThePrint! We’re excited to be sharing these⁣ amazing stories with more readers!⁣ 😊 ⁣ This month, editors at ThePrint republished a story by Chhering Norbu @chhering.norbu - one of the few⁣ remaining practitioners of ‘Sowa Rigpa’ or traditional Tibetan medicine in Spiti Valley. A fascinating⁣ narrative made possible with the support of @spitiecosphere 💚 ⁣ Read the complete story on https://theprint.in/opinion/why-the-people-of-spiti-eat-stones/543337/⁣ ⁣ And do keep a lookout for our stories on @theprintindia each month! #voicesofruralindia #digitalstorytelling #ruralindia
*MEET THE STORYTELLER* As a “traveling librarian *MEET THE STORYTELLER* As a “traveling librarian” Radhamani chechi makes books accessible⁣ for the community in her village of Mothakkara, in Kerala's Wayanad district. She walks several kilometers every day⁣ to deliver books across the village. During her commute, she also manages to work with⁣ cooperative banking societies to develop financial plans for several families.⁣⁣ ⁣ “I love everything about my job... My job has taught me the most important lesson of life –⁣ what you give is what you reap. I treat all the library members with affection and care, and I⁣ earn respect from all in return...I feel very content that at 63 years of age, I am able to walk up⁣ to 4 kilometers every day, delivering books to people and being their 'walking library'”, says⁣ Radhamani⁣.⁣ ⁣ She’s also an avid storyteller and frontier campaigner for sustainable community development⁣ programs. Radhamani is a familiar face in the government as the President of the Panchayat-led⁣ women’s society group - Kudumbashree. She heads the organic farming group 'Pournima'⁣ and is also involved with multiple industries such as the soap⁣⁣ making unit and Ayurveda medicinal unit in Mothakkara.⁣⁣ ⁣ Have you read this incredible story yet? Head straightaway to the link in our bio or⁣ voicesofruralindia.org to read in English or Malayalam. . #voicesofruralindia #wayanad #responsibletravel #kerala
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