The Integration of Indian Myth and Folklore in Devdutt Pattanaik’s Storytelling

Abstract

This paper examines how Devdutt Pattanaik integrates Indian myth and folklore to create a distinctive and culturally rooted storytelling framework. By drawing from classical epics, Puranic narratives, regional folktales, tribal lore, and ritual traditions, Pattanaik constructs narratives that bridge ancient symbolism with contemporary social and psychological insights. His approach demystifies mythology by presenting it as a fluid system of ideas shaped by human imagination, cultural memory, and evolving worldviews. Through accessible language, visual illustrations, and inclusive interpretations, he highlights the plurality of Indian narrative traditions while addressing modern themes of ethics, identity, leadership, and social harmony. The study explores the narrative techniques, thematic patterns, and cultural significance embedded in his work, demonstrating how myth and folklore collectively function as tools for reflection, education, and cultural continuity in modern India.