Grandma And The Great Gourd: Discover the Magical Bengali Folktale

Once upon a time, in a small village in Bengal, there lived a wise and resourceful grandmother. This remarkable woman, known for her wisdom and bravery, was about to embark on an extraordinary adventure that would test her courage and intelligence. Gather around as we delve into the delightful world of Bengali folklore and explore the story of Grandma and the Great Gourd!

Legend has it that Grandma, a resilient and spirited woman, resided in a modest thatched hut on the outskirts of her village. Her days were filled with nurturing her garden, cooking delicious meals, and telling captivating tales to the eager children of the community.

One sunny morning, Grandma embarked on a quest to fetch water from a nearby river. Little did she know that this seemingly mundane task would lead her into a series of magical encounters and an unexpected face-off with a terrifying creature.

Grandma and the Great Gourd: A Bengali Folktale

by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (Kindle Edition)

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5732 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	32 pages

FREE

As Grandma approached the river, she stumbled upon an enormous gourd that lay abandoned on the riverbank. Recognizing the potential danger it posed, she whispered to herself, "Fear not, Grandma, for I shall find a way to conquer this great gourd."

Word of Grandma's audacious plan spread throughout the village, intriguing the villagers and igniting their curiosity. They couldn't help but wonder how this fearless grandmother would triumph over such a powerful opponent.

With a splash of creativity and a sprinkle of cleverness, Grandma hatched a plan that would leave even the most cunning fox in awe. She enlisted the help of her village companions, each of whom possessed a unique talent. Together, they would devise a strategy to outwit the enormous gourd.

The villagers worked tirelessly to craft an enormous vat of steaming rice. Grandma's plan was to lure the gourd into the vat by tempting it with the aromatic scent of the cooked rice. The ever-determined Grandma knew that she must act swiftly, for the great gourd's powers were known to engulf anything in its path.

As the sun began to set, Grandma and her fellow villagers hid in anticipation, their hearts pounding with anxiety and excitement. Suddenly, the ground began to tremble, and a colossal figure emerged from the shadows, drawn to the irresistible aroma of the rice.

With every step, the gourd's rumbling growl echoed through the village, instilling both awe and fear into the hearts of its residents. Grandma, undeterred by the gourd's menacing presence, stood her ground with unwavering determination.

When the gourd reached the colossal vat of rice, it could no longer resist the tantalizing aroma. It plunged its massive body into the vat, devouring the aromatic rice with voracious hunger. Little did the Great Gourd know that Grandma had cleverly mixed hot chili powder within the rice, turning the feast into a concoction of unbearable spice.

In agonizing pain, the Great Gourd thrashed about, desperately trying to alleviate the burning sensation caused by the chili powder. It rolled uncontrollably, emitting cries of distress that reverberated through the night sky.

Amidst the chaos, Grandma seized the opportunity to bid farewell to her village companions and plunge into the river. The villagers watched in astonishment as the Great Gourd, blinded by the heat, chased after Grandma into the depths of the water.

And just like that, Grandma had successfully outsmarted the Great Gourd and saved her village from its destructive powers.

The news of Grandma's triumph spread like wildfire, transforming her into a legendary figure whose bravery and wit were revered across generations. Her tale became an enduring part of Bengali folklore, teaching valuable lessons of courage, intellect, and the power of unity.

So, the next time you hear the rustling of leaves in the wind or spot an abandoned gourd by the riverbank, remember the tale of Grandma and the Great Gourd. Embrace the spirit of adventure, channel your inner Grandma, and conquer the challenges that come your way with resilience and creativity.

For it is through these timeless folktales that we discover the true essence of our cultural heritage and the indomitable human spirit that resides within each and every one of us.

Grandma and the Great Gourd: A Bengali Folktale

by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (Kindle Edition)

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5732 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	32 pages

FREE

Once upon a time, in a little village in India, there lived an old woman. Everyone in the village called her Grandma. One day, Grandma received a letter from her daughter, who lived on the other side of the jungle. "Please come and visit me," said the letter. "I haven't seen you in so long. I miss you."

And so, Grandma begins a perilous journey to the far side of the jungle. Can she use her keen wit to escape the jungle animals and make it safely home?
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's sharp, rhythmic retelling of this Bengali folktale is complimented perfectly by Susy Pilgrim Waters's brightly colored, captivating illustrations.
Grandma and the Great Gourd is a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2013