In the state of Odisha, located on the eastern coast of India, folklore and oral traditions have been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. One such popular story is that of “Pari and the Tiger”.
The story begins with a beautiful and brave girl named Pari who lived in a small village at the edge of a dense forest. Pari was known for her kindness, her quick wit, and her fearlessness. She was loved by everyone in her village, and even the animals in the forest seemed to know her and respect her.
One day, a ferocious tiger entered the village, causing panic and chaos among the villagers. The tiger had been terrorizing nearby villages for weeks, and no one had been able to stop it. Pari, however, was determined to put an end to the tiger’s rampage.
With a plan in mind, Pari approached the tiger and asked why it was causing so much destruction. The tiger replied that it was hungry and that the villagers had encroached upon its territory, leaving it with no other options. Pari, understanding the tiger’s plight, promised to help it find food in exchange for the tiger’s promise to leave the village in peace.
Pari then gathered some of her fellow villagers and headed into the forest, armed with bows and arrows. As they walked through the dense forest, Pari called out to the animals, asking for their help. The deer, the rabbits, and the birds all answered Pari’s call and began to lead the group to a clearing.
In the clearing, they found a mango tree with ripe fruit hanging from its branches. Pari plucked the mangoes and offered them to the tiger, who eagerly devoured them. With its hunger sated, the tiger agreed to leave the village alone and to live in peace with the other animals in the forest.
The villagers were overjoyed and praised Pari for her bravery and wisdom. From that day on, Pari became known as the protector of the village and the forest. Her legend lived on, and her story was told and retold throughout the generations, inspiring others to be brave, kind, and resourceful.
The story of Pari and the tiger is a reminder that compassion and understanding can overcome even the most ferocious of foes. It is a tale that has been cherished by the people of Odisha for centuries, and one that continues to inspire and captivate audiences today.
