Long ago, in a land of rivers, valleys, hills, and forests, there lived a loving brother and his elder sister. During the month of Chait, which falls in April and May, the brother missed his sister dearly. Filled with affection and longing, he decided to visit her at her in-laws’ home, known as Sauras, bearing a basket of gifts called “Bhitauli,” a traditional offering symbolising love and respect.
After a long journey crossing rugged terrains and natural barriers, the brother finally reached his sister’s house. But when he arrived, he found his sister fast asleep, exhausted from her daily toil. Not wanting to disturb her rest, he quietly placed the basket of gifts beside her and left without waking her.
According to one telling of this tale, the brother returned home silently, mindful that their elderly mother was alone and worried. Another version recounts that the visit took place on a Friday night, and since Fridays, along with Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays, were considered auspicious for celebrations in Kumaoni tradition, while Saturdays were reserved for solemn observances, the brother chose to leave the gifts quietly to present them properly the next day.
When the sister awoke the following morning, she saw the basket lying near her. Overcome with sorrow and guilt, she cried out in pain, lamenting, “भै भुकी, मैं सिती, भै भुकी, मैं सिती!” which means, “While my brother remained hungry, I kept sleeping.” The deep anguish she felt was so profound that it took her life, and her spirit transformed into a nyoli — the Great Barbet (Psilopogon virens marshallorum).
To this day, the nyoli’s distinctive call echoes through the forests during the month of Chait, sounding remarkably like the sister’s lament. Villagers believe the bird’s song is a living reminder of the sister’s love and sacrifice, a poignant symbol of familial bonds, longing, and the unspoken emotions that transcend even time and life itself.
This story, passed down through generations, holds a cherished place in Kumaoni culture, reminding all who hear it of the depth of love between siblings and the eternal bond that connects family — a bond that remains, echoing with the sweet, melancholic songs of the nyoli each spring.
A Folktale sourced by Jyoti Nagarkoti from Whisper of the Woods
Click here to submit your Folklore.