Garhwali, Kumaoni , Himalayan Folk Literature /Folklores

Surji Nag a Chivalry Garhwali Folklore
Edited by Dr Shiv Prasad Dabral )
Commentary By Bhishma Kukreti

There are many folklores in Garhwal. Many are very popular among all areas of Garhwal . Garhwali historians are trying to print those folklores for preserving our oral heritage . Late Dr Shiv Prasad Dabral is one of the topmost writers who took keen interest in collecting folklores of Garhwal and Kumaun regions and published them by his own . Surji Nag is one of the folklores, Dr Dabral published the legendary poetic folk story of Surji Nag exclusively from Veer Gatha press Dogadda.
According to Vimal Negi the editor of Uttarakhand of Khabar Sar, Surji Nag folklore comes under the category of stories as Madho Singh Bhandari, Tillu Rautela Lodi Rikhaula, Kaffu Chauhan , Hari Hindwan and Rajula Malu Shahi . Dr Shiv Prasad Dabral took the help of Dr Haridatt Bhatt ‘Shailesh’ and hudkyas to collect, compile and edit the story of Surgu Naag or Surji Kaunl.
The story of Surji Nag or Kaunl is the mixture of chivalry, firmness, love and showing the immense effect of Guru Gorakhnath on our past lives in Garhwal .
Surji Nag the prince of Bhinwali Nagar, Garhwal saw the princess Jotmala of Bhotantak kingdom in his dream . Jotmala was the beautiful most girl of her time. After awakening, Surji Nag tells about his dream and princess Jotmala to his mother. Surji Nag tells his intention for bringing Jotmala as his wife from Bhotaa country. His mother describes the various types of great difficulties in going and coming from Bhinwali country to Bhotta kingdom. However, Surji Nag showed his keen desire to marry Jotmala and does not accept the suggestions of his mother not to go Bhotta country. Understanding the firm desire of her son Surji Nag , his mother sends Surji Nag to Guru Gorakhnath. After taking the blessing of Guru Gorakhnath, Surji Nag started his journey for Bhotta country. Surji nag faced many adversities and wins over all small and big challenges and usefully reaches to Bhotta kingdom. Later on Surji Nag brings to his kingdom Bhinwala with great pride Jotmala after marrying her .
This story is sung by women folks and by Jagris too
Those interested to read full poetic story of Surji Nag can read Uttarakhand Khabar Sar Pauri Garhwal from editions from first June till this edition .
Curtsey by Vimal negi, Uttarakhand Khabar Sar, Pauri, Pauri Garhwal

Copyright Bhishma Kukreti, Mumbai, India , 2009