New Delhi, May 12 -- Folk tales have an old connect with the hills. Introducing readers to the myths, legends, spirits, Gods and forgotten local history of Uttarakhand is the new collection of 10 short stories titled Mysteries, Mountains and Mythology. Deeply rooted in culture and traditions, each tale unravels a myth that lives on within the communities of the Himalayan region.

One of this book's strongest qualities is how inseparable the stories feel from Uttarakhand's geography. Its deep connection with Nature is evident in the way the narratives are surrounded by mountains, rivers, forests, temples, and even reflected through characters like Piyoli in Call of the Forest. With natural elements often personified, these often become int...