An Object, A Story and Eco Feminism - Joymala an Assamese folktale, Soul Story Mandala Marc 2024

 Update: 

You can watch a telling of this story on the Federation of Asian Storytellers Story Spotlight 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_THJaxcxaY&t=1s

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 This is a story of Serendipity- of finding something valuable by chance!

Recently at CSF 2025 (Chennai Storytelling Festival), I shared a folktale from Assam, an eco - feminist retelling of Joymala - The Elephant Queen -

As I delved into the story many images stayed with me, the woman - nature bonding and even her passivity until she is pushed to the brink...literally!

There was a word that became the fulcrum of the story - Jhari - and I went on an adventure trying to find out what it means. Some authors had interpreted it as silk threads (Tamil origin perhaps), while others called it a vessel used for worship.

 I caught this thread and saw images online of bronze/ silver vessel used in Newari culture and worship....

In the folktale,

A Golden Jhari is carried by Joymala into the kingdom of elephants, and when they pour waters from 7 rivers and 7 colours over her, it is this very same Jhari which merges into her face, transforming Joymala into the Elephant Queen!

So... I was gobsmacked to see a Jhari in my In-laws place brought for the rituals that are conducted for 13 days after the passing on of a soul.

I never expected to see an actual Jhari, called Kamandalam by my folks, suddenly appear in my life!

The shape of the vessel captures the imagery of an elephant trunk so beautifully!

 Serendipity indeed!

Fascinated by how objects and cultural context drives the telling of a folktale! 

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In 2024, I had told it in Soul Story Mandala and the images that stayed were amazing. I played the Oh Womaniya song just before the story and the whole experience was magical!

Art by Shilpa and Amruta