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Bishnupriya Manipuri Folk Tales
The Story of Pa’ni
During the Satyayuga, there lived a small and poor family comprising of a medium aged couple, two sisters, and a brother. The youngest member of the family was a girl named Pa’ni, meaning water, who was described as beautiful and lovely like a water lily. One day, while crossing a hilly river to attend a feast at her sister's house, Pa’ni's langou (lower garment) was carried away by the river current, leading to an innocent but offensive remark from her brother. This incident triggered a series of emotional responses from Pa’ni, ultimately resulting in her transformation into a beautiful yellow bird by Lord Shiva, allowing her to fly freely with her friend, a nightingale. Despite her transformation, it is believed that Pa’ni still visits the villagers in search of her parents, appearing as a small bird with yellow body and black wings, greeted with affection by the villagers.
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The author, Dils Lakshmindra Kr. Sinha, has collected and translated Bishnupriya Manipuri folk tales in two volumes, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the community. As the President of the Nikhil Bishnupriya Manipuri Sahitya Parishad Assam, he is a prolific writer in the Bishnupriya Manipuri language, preserving and sharing these traditional stories for future generations. Through these folk tales, readers can immerse themselves in the magical world of Pa’ni and other characters, experiencing the blend of fantasy, emotion, and cultural values depicted in these narratives.
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The story of Pa’ni not only entertains with its mystical elements but also conveys deeper themes of family bonds, transformation, and the enduring search for love and belonging. Pa’ni's journey from a human girl to a beautiful bird symbolizes the eternal longing for connection and understanding, transcending physical limitations to find true companionship and happiness. Through her interactions with the nightingale and the villagers, Pa’ni exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and the enduring spirit of love that resonates across generations and cultures.
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