Interview With The Author Of "Bhoota Gappa" Horror Book Series & "Bhoota Gappa 3" Made Affordable & The Challenges Of Reading Books Being Obsolete
An interview with the author of the Bhoota Gappa horror series, exploring Odisha superstitions, fading beliefs, and the purpose of storytelling in the age of AI. Q1. Why did you write this Special Edition on Odisha superstitions? Pratiksha: I grew up around these beliefs. They were never just stories; they were a way of living. From my grandparents, especially my granny, to the neighborhood I visited every summer, many stories and beliefs were shared. I remember being told not to make plans and say them out loud in the evening, because someone is always listening. Odisha is a land deeply rooted in culture and memory. It has given rise to some of India’s most respected literary voices, and yet, beyond books, it carries stories that were never written down. It is home to 62 diverse tribal communities, including 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, forming over 22% of the state’s population. In these communities, beliefs are not theory, they are what has build these fami...