Indian oral traditions

Indian oral traditions are centuries-old practices of transmitting stories, rituals, histories, and cultural values through spoken word rather than written texts. These traditions include epic poems like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, folk songs, mythological tales, and religious chants passed down by narrators, poets, and community elders. They serve to preserve cultural identity, moral lessons, and collective memory, often performed during festivals, ceremonies, or gatherings. Oral traditions remain vibrant in many regions, adapting over time while maintaining their core messages, and are vital to understanding India’s diverse cultural landscape.