Reviving Ancient Ballads: A Journey Through 'Lores of Love and Saint Gorakhnath'

A new anthology by Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nalin Verma revives ancient ballads rooted in Yogi Gorakhnath’s teachings. It explores themes of love and spirituality through folk tales historically sung by Gorakhnathi yogis. The book, published by Penguin Random House India, offers a critical lens on its cultural significance.

In a bold revival of forgotten narratives, a new anthology by senior politician Lalu Prasad Yadav and author Nalin Verma resurrects ancient ballads and mystical legends. The collection, titled 'Lores of Love and Saint Gorakhnath,' features four timeless folk tales, deeply entrenched in the teachings of the revered 11th-century mystic, Yogi Gorakhnath.

Rooted in spiritual and inclusive philosophies that influenced the Sufi and Bhakti movements in India, these stories—originally sung by itinerant Gorakhnathi yogis—are now documented with historical sensitivity by Penguin Random House India. This anthology captures the heart of the regional performance traditions, from wedding parties to religious events.

Senior author Yadav, former chief minister of Bihar, writes his personal connection with these stories, expressing gratitude to Nalin Verma for his extensive research. This documentation offers a critical reflection on folklore's role in cultural resistance, transformation, and spiritual exploration, highlighting its impact on marginalized communities.

(With inputs from agencies.)