DASTAN A LONG STORY…
.Storytelling is lineal-habitual-accepted way of life in all parts of the world.
Yes, the paper, ink and books were not always there to put down those
stories/folktales/experiences into written words. They were shared! In old
times, the stories were told, narrated and shared in such delightful manner
that this was considered an art. The storytelling was hugely popular as fav
time pass, the best cultural activity and to connect with others. Well, these
performances could match to any brilliant theatrical drama of today’s times.
We are talking about this magnificent art of storytelling called, Dastangoi!
In Wikipedia and other sources available about Dastangoi, it can be said that
it’s an Urdu oral story telling art present during 13th century. The life was
more about a simpler, connected living then.
Dastangoi would be performed, wherever there was a flourishing court, or
any majestic occasion of nobility. The actors/ storytellers/ Dastango would
spoke of their times mixing poetry with history, lyricism with satire.
The Persian language describes Dastan means a tale, and when the suffix goi
is added to the word, it translates to “to tell a tale”.
69 SOCULTURES JAN-FEB2019