Folk-Tales of Bengal

"Folk-Tales of Bengal" by Lal Behari Day is a compilation of age-old narratives that paint a vivid picture of Bengal's cultural and social tapestry. The compilation presents the author's dedication to preserving traditional stories, sparked by childhood memories of listening to tales from an elderly village woman, then partnering with a Bengali Christian woman who shares some tales of her own. The narratives that follow explore universal themes of affection, faithfulness, the supernatural, and ethical principles. The opening tale, "Life's Secret," follows a king, his queens, and a prince whose life is interwoven with magical elements, such as a boal fish to which he is tied, showcasing what is in store for the reader: a world where destiny and folklore intertwine.