Indore: Tribes and villagers of Madhya Pradesh are set to embark on a new journey of folk tellers by bringing the rich tradition, architecture, and natural beauty of the region to life for tourists through the art of storytelling.Local tribes and villagers will be trained as folk tellers to share authentic folk-tales with visitors, enhancing their overall experience.In March, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Board (MPTB) in collaboration with a community story teller Elisa Spampinato held storytelling workshops in Orchha and Bhopal, attended by more than 25 homestay owners, tour guides, and other tourism professionals at each destination. The department plans to hold similar workshops in Mandu and Khajuraho soon.Elisa Spampinato, a community storyteller with more than 15 years of experience in storytelling, expressed her passion for uncovering the cultural essence of a place through the narratives of its people.“My work as a community storyteller is to unveil the cultural roots of a place through the stories of its people. I believe that rural and indigenous tourism require a different kind of travel marketing which is based on the real stories of the destination and are at their core, its cultural stories — the stories that make a place unique and inspire new exploration,” said Spampinato.The tourism department is now identifying new tourist locations to create a pool of storytellers and master trainers to train more locals with the art of storytelling.“This innovative approach of folk tales straight from the mouth of locals, tribe and villagers aim to offer visitors a deeper connection to the culture and heritage of Madhya Pradesh, making their travel experience more enriching and memorable,” said principal secretary, tourism and culture, Sheo Shekhar Shukla.The tourism department aims to support villagers and locals by providing training and resources such as souvenirs, pictures, and books to enhance their storytelling skills.This initiative seeks to create a more engaging and immersive experience for tourists seeking to explore the diverse cultural tapestry of Madhya Pradesh, said Manoj Singh, director, rural tourism at MPTB

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