Echoes of Tradition: Folklore’s Imprint on Devdutt Pattanaik’s Storytelling

Abstract

Devdutt Pattanaik’s storytelling emerges as a vibrant confluence of traditional Indian folklore and contemporary narrative techniques, reimagining ancient myths to resonate with modern sensibilities. This abstract explores how folklore functions not merely as a thematic backdrop but as a dynamic narrative force shaping the ethos of Pattanaik’s literary and visual storytelling. Drawing from epics, Puranic tales, regional myths, and oral traditions, Pattanaik integrates symbolic archetypes, ritual motifs, and moral paradigms rooted in Indian culture, thereby preserving the sanctity of indigenous knowledge systems while making them accessible to a global audience. His reinterpretation of tales such as those from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and lesser-known folk stories reflects an inclusive pluralism that challenges monolithic religious interpretations and offers nuanced reflections on gender, identity, and power. Through works like Jaya, Sita, Shikhandi, and My Gita, he imbues mythological narratives with personal insight and cultural commentary, reframing folklore as a living, breathing entity that continues to evolve. His use of simplified visuals, metaphors, and culturally coded language reinforces the didactic and symbolic essence of folklore, engaging readers across age groups and belief systems. In doing so, Pattanaik not only sustains the oral tradition in written form but also positions folklore as a transformative lens to interpret ethics, society, and selfhood in an ever-changing world.