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Our Stories
Bringing you folklore straight from the mountains, plains, deserts and beaches of Pakistan. Transcribed, illustrated and curated with love. Happy reading!
-Team Folkloristan
Urdu Alphabet Lore
Urdu Alphabet Lore | The story of the four brothers, Jeem, Chay, Hay and Khay
Podna and Podni
Urdu Folktale | Podna, (he-sparrow), marches to rescue Podni (she-sparrow) from the Raja, accompanied by some unexpected allies.
A Folktale on the Origins of Ho Jamalo
Sindhi Folktale | A story about the origins of the folk melody, Ho Jamalo.
Jashan-e-Lohri
The Punjabi festival, Lohri, marks the end of winter and the start of the harvest season. Read more about the festivities!
Hanooz Dilli Dur Ast
Sufi Folklore | How a confrontation between a Dervish and a Sultan lead to a Persian proverb being borrowed into Urdu.
Ten Myths about Jinns
Myths about Jinns from Pakistani oral tradition.
The Crow on the Wall
Kashmiri Folktale | A fable about patience.
The Legend of Sialkot Fort
Locations and Legends | The Fort of Sialkot
Honesty is the Best Policy
Punjabi Folktale | A fable on the rewards of honesty.
The Apple and the Chinar Tree
Kashmiri Folktale | A fable on humbleness.
What makes a house a home?
Pashto Folktale | A fable about what makes a house a home.
Allah is Indeed the Best of Planners
Punjabi Folktale | A fable on faith in Allah.
Superstitions in Balochi Folklore
Superstitions from Balochi Folklore related to colours, sensory experiences, and daily activities.
The Moon in Punjabi Folklore
Ever wondered what Punjabi folklore says about the moon? Read more!
Nanga Parbat, Pakistan's Killer Mountain
Nanga Parbat | Pakistan's Killer Mountain
Baba Bulleh Shah's Mahiya Tere Vekhan Nu
The Story behind Baba Bulleh Shah's Mahiya Tere Vekhan Nu
The Grapes of Badaber
The once-famous grapes of Badaber, taken away by God as bloodmoney.
A Fable on Justice
A pair of parrots were passing by an abandoned village. Mrs Parrot said, “I wonder if it was war or calamity which drove everyone...
A Fable on Helpfulness
A fable about a she-goat and a crow about being helpful.
The Prince, His Friend, and the Faqir
In a land where mountains kissed the clouds, and melting sun bathed the emerald plains, ruled a King as kind as he was just. The lands...
The Frog Princess
Punjabi Folktale | A curse turns a princess into a frog, until she is rescued by fate, and a prince.
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