Folk tales for children of all ages

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Stories play a huge role in shaping young minds. Folk tales, passed down through generations, are a meaningful way to connect with culture and history. Be they mythological or mystical, these rich stories not only entertain but also contribute to the psychological development of kids, impacting their beliefs and value systems in the future. Here is a list of podcasts and e-books that will help parents introduce kids of all ages to Indian folk tales.

Upto 4 years:

Stories by grandmas

The Chulbuli Tales Podcast brings together a group of grandmothers who strive to keep the art of storytelling alive. The spirited women share a wide range of intriguing stories, from origins of Indian festivals to folk tales associated with Gods. Ideal for toddlers, the brief episodes range from four to twelve minutes and are available in multiple languages. Asha Malu and Sunita Malpani recite stories in Hindi while Anupama Sabnis will be reciting in Marathi.

5 to 8 years:

Illustrated epic

Arguably the most popular epic in Indian mythology, Mahabharata is a huge part of our lives. Be it the religious festivals we celebrate or the media we consume. The ‘Mahabharata for Children' by Pegasus is an illustrated book that retells the story in a kid-friendly way. The book's illustrations are vibrant and attractive whereas language is simple and understandable by children.

History, mythology, and literature

With an extensive range of titles covering Indian history, mythology, and literature, Amar Chitra Katha has been introducing children to the Indian heritage for decades. To make these stories accessible, they have also launched e-books. The ‘Regional Folktales of India' by founder Anant Pai is an interesting selection of stories from five distinct regions of India, namely, Orissa, Bengal, Garhwal, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

9 to 12 years:

Witty at best

Stories of Mughal Emperor Akbar and his courtier Birbal have captured the imagination of generations. One of the nine gems in Akbar's court, Birbal was known for his intellect and unique insight. Chimes Radio has compiled a collection of such stories laced with Birbal's sharp wit and pearls of moral wisdom for kids in the ‘Akbar Birbal Stories' podcast. The episodes are short, about five minutes each, and are able to hold the attention of younger kids.

Ancient tales

‘Baalgatha', literally meaning children's story, brings to you hundreds of stories from the Panchtantra and Jataka Tales which aim to not only entertain your children but also educate. From the significance of the festival of Guru Purnima to the story of Rahu and Ketu, kids get to learn about a variety of topics. In addition to English, the podcast is available in a number of regional languages, including, Marathi, Kannada, Gujarati, Telegu, and Hindi. With episodes as short as four minutes, you can make your kids listen on the go.

ENDS