Folklore and mythology abound in India, with tales of mermaids and other mermaid-like creatures among them. Among the most well-known is the story of “Apsaras,” a celestial creature that appears in Hindu and Buddhist mythology as a lovely, water-dwelling nymph or spirit. Although Apsaras aren’t typically portrayed with fishtails like Western mermaids, they are connected to water and are portrayed as dancers capable of transforming into several forms of pleasure.

Folklore from the coastal region of Karnataka is home to another well-known myth about “Matsya Gandha,” or fish-scented women who, although seemingly attractive and enticing to fishermen, vanish into the sea at the touch of one.

Some tribal mythology, especially in the coastal villages, tells tales of “Jalpari” or “Meenakshi,” mermaid-like beings thought to reside in rivers, lakes, and the ocean. These entities are frequently characterized as having a fish’s lower body and a woman’s upper body, evoking images of Western mermaids.

Generally, mermaid-like creatures do occur in Indian mythology and folklore, though they are not as common as they are in Western folklore. This is likely due to the country’s numerous cultural and regional traditions.

The celebration of mermaids and their fabled charm is called International Mermaid Day. The usual date for its observance is March 29th. Mermaid-themed celebrations, festivals, and get-togethers are common ways for people to honour mermaid literature, art, and mythology on this day. It’s an inventive and enjoyable way to appreciate the enchantment of these fabled marine animals. 

Some of the stories on Mermaids –

The Lost Pearl: On the ocean below, a young mermaid who is interested in the world above finds a sparkling pearl. A lost-at-sea sailor’s hopes are contained in a pearl that takes her to the surface and a message in a bottle that reunites her with his long-lost love.

The Moonlit Dance: A mermaid princess dances in the waters while a full moon shines on her silver scales. Captivated by her beauty, a human sailor observes from his vessel. A link emerges between their two worlds when their eyes meet.

The Healing Song: A teenage healer uses her voice to calm the surging seas as a massive storm threatens the mermaid kingdom. Her singing demonstrates the power of harmony and compassion by bringing peace to the waves and saving her home.

The Deal of the Sea Witch: Desperate to set foot on land, a mermaid seeks out the sea witch, who grants her wish—but at a price. Every step she makes is a memory lost to her. She learns the real worth of her past as she makes her way through this new society.

The Discovery of the Pearl Diver: A pearl diver comes upon a mermaid entangled in a net, her eyes glistening with fear. After he sets her free, she bestows upon him a magical pearl that will bring him good fortune and wealth for the rest of his life.

If you want to read a book on mermaids, we recommend some of them. Here are a few books from India and Sri Lanka that either feature mermaids or are inspired by mermaid mythology:

1. “The Fisher Queen’s Dynasty” by Kavita Kane (India): This novel reimagines the story of Satyavati, a character from the Indian epic Mahabharata, known for her association with water and fish. While not specifically about mermaids, it delves into themes of water, femininity, and power.
2. “The Hidden Children” by Reshma Barshikar (India): This young adult fantasy novel features a protagonist who discovers she is a descendant of a mermaid-like tribe and must navigate the magical underwater world of the Maldives.
3. “Mermaids in the Moonlight” by Sharanya Manivannan (Srilanka/ India): This children’s book tells the story of a young girl who befriends a mermaid and goes on an adventure to help her find her lost kingdom.
4. “Selkie Stories Are for Losers” by Sofia Samatar (Sri Lanka/USA): While not set in India or Sri Lanka, this short story is written by a Sri Lankan-American author and explores themes of folklore and transformation, including the legend of the selkie, a creature similar to a mermaid.
5. “The Little Mermaid and Other Tales from Hans Christian Andersen” (India/Sri Lanka): While not originating from India or Sri Lanka, this collection of fairy tales by the Danish author includes the classic story of “The Little Mermaid,” which has been widely read and adapted in both countries.
6. “Incantations Over Water” by Sharanya Manivannan  (Srilanka/ India): Incantations Over Water is part of a duology on Ila of the Kallady lagoon, and is accompanied by a picture book for children, Mermaids in the Moonlight. On full moon nights, from deep within the lagoons of Mattakalappu, Ilankai, mysterious sounds emerge. During the three decades of civil war, it is said, those sounds had ceased. The mermaid Ila, who has lived in those waters for a long, long time, speaks and sings about her world (and the worlds of mermaids everywhere). Her stories weave together cultural history, eco-consciousness, political reality and personal longing – and always, the magical.

These books offer a glimpse into the diverse interpretations of mermaids and water mythology in the Indian and Sri Lankan literary traditions.