In a time long forgotten, a solitary carpenter dwelled in the shadowy woods, his only companions the woodpeckers, whose rhythmic taps echoed his craft, their fates entwined. One fateful day, he stumbled upon a whispered secret that lay buried beneath the bark. With a spark of cunning in his eye, he set to work, carving a path to the truth, each chip revealing more than he dared to imagine.
The vision that pierced his mind was unsettling, a hushed message drifting from the heavens. Whispers foretold the approach of the Messenger of Death, the great Yamraj accompanied by two companion Dhoots, their intent dark as night. They had deemed the carpenter's time on Earth to be at an end. But the carpenter, fiercely clinging to life and love, concocted a daring scheme to thwart fate and rewrite destiny.
Clearly, the Messenger of Death had miscalculated; it wasn’t yet the carpenter's time to ascend to the heavens, not while his heart still beat with purpose. Rallying his loyal woodpecker allies, the carpenter transformed their tree mansion into a haven, crafting a sanctuary for new guests. Together, they would stand against the encroaching shadows, determined to protect their realm and rewrite the fate that threatened to claim him.
The plan was cunningly devised, a tapestry of traps and clever tricks. As the Messenger of Death and his ominous companions approached, they found themselves ensnared in a web of vigilance woven by the adept woodpeckers. Resigned to their unexpected fate, the trio paused, perplexed by the woodland guardians who stood resolute, guarding their realm with unwavering resolve.
Decades slipped by since that fateful encounter, while God contemplated the fate of His steadfast Messenger of Death. Unyielding in His curiosity, He ventured deep into the woods, seeking the truth that lay shrouded in mystery. One day, a curious bird song caught His ear—melodious yet raucous, a wild celebration. The woodpeckers, intoxicated by Mahua tree liquor, sang tales of the clever carpenter who had outwitted death itself. God paused, both taken aback and captivated, drawn into the enchanting saga of bravery and cunning that unfolded among the trees.
In a heartbeat, God unraveled the carpenter’s masterplan and smiled warmly, recognizing the brilliance behind it. He released the Messenger of Death and his companions, blessing the carpenter with a full, joyous life, knowing he had truly earned it.
Today, laughter and music fill the forest, echoing the celebration of resilience and wit. Would you care to join the festivities, reveling in the joy and magic of this enchanted woodland gathering?
The End.
Note: This project was inspired by a wonderful Gond Workshop led by the talented Gond Master Artisan, Ms. Japani Shyam. I’m deeply grateful to The Folk Workshop for providing such a vibrant platform for folk art enthusiasts, allowing us to explore and embrace the rich essence of Gond artistry.