Author: Village Square
5 must-see films that show rural India differently
There is more to the rural tracts of India than meets the eye. Village Square curates some internationally acclaimed films inspired by the Indian hinterland.
Getting inked more than a passing gen-z fad
In India, while tattoos are typically a personal choice, certain tribes use them to maintain their collective identity. Valued for their healing properties and cultural significance, tattoos are becoming a sought-after souvenir for travellers exploring rural India as well. This emerging trend is shedding light on the rustic charm of the countryside, offering a glimpse into a hidden gem of cultural exploration. Here, we showcase snapshots of diverse tattoos adorning the skin of rural India, captured by contestants of the Village Vibe Photo Contest.
Immersing in tradition: A pictorial tale of West Bengal’s Charak puja
Charak puja honors Shiva and Kali, symbolising renewal, forgiveness, and agricultural prosperity. It is celebrated on the occasion of Chaitra Sankranti, the last day (April 14) of the month of Chaitra, which is followed by the Bengali New Year.
Have you heard these rural Indian musical instruments yet?
Rural India is a repository of folk music traditions. Here is a round-up in images of some of the musical instruments that are a part of this rich legacy. They certainly strike the right chord in the community, don’t they?
Watched Laapataa Ladies? Here are 5 other hit films shot in MP
Over 175 movies, OTT series and TV shows have been shot in quaint settings across Madhya Pradesh. Here are five of them for you to binge-watch, and get a taste of the true heartland of India.
Delicious traditional Odia recipes that you must try
As Odisha celebrates its Utkala Divas (formation day) on April 1, we bring to you some star dishes from the state that appeal to varied palates.
The cheesiest Indian desserts on offer
One of India’s favourite sweet treats, rasmalai, was chosen as the second-best cheese-based dessert in the world. Here are more such sweet dishes from India that lean in on our cheese-making traditions.
5 folk theatre forms that are a must-watch
India is home to several folk theatre forms, some hundreds of years old. This World Theatre Day, we do a round-up of five popular folk theatre forms that live on in the distant corners of the country.
Splashes of joy – Exploring the magic of Holi
Join us on a journey through different shades of Holi, where every snapshot tells a vibrant tale about color, camaraderie and pure joy.
‘We need to communicate what safe water means’
Several regions across India face acute shortage of safe drinking water. We speak to Amar Prakash, state programme director for WaterAid in Madhya Pradesh, about their interventions, challenges and success stories.
Birds worth – One for sparrow
Once a familiar sight at our houses, sparrows are now rarely seen in our neighbourhoods. This World Sparrow Day, we present a silver living – photographs of these tiny birds clicked at various locations in India.
Indian rivers in peril, and their saviours
This International Day of Action for Rivers, which is observed on 14 March, we revisit the stories done on Village Square to bring attention to the rivers facing risks, and what’s being done to conserve them.
Handloom and hues of success in Maheshwar
This school at Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh helps aspiring master weavers polish their skills and gain cutting-edge know-how on the practices essential to succeeding in the handloom sector.
From acid attacks to STEM, these NGOs are working on issues concerning women and girls across India
Health, education, livelihood, gender crime…. When it comes to the issues faced by women and girls, the list can be long. Here are some development organisations working towards making the country a better place for them.
How these rural women shatter stereotypes
Women, who once played traditional gender roles, are now working to uplift not just their own lives but also those of their communities. This International Women’s Day, we revisit inspiring rural women featured on Village Square.
Rare diseases in India, and the way forward
India has over 7 crore patients with a rare disease, 95% of which are incurable. This Rare Disease Day, Prasanna Kumar Shirol, co-founder of Organization of Rare Diseases India, talks about the challenges and the way forward.
Winners of 2024 Village Vibe Photo Competition
See the winning photographs from this year’s photo competition and hear the winners share their experience of coming to Delhi and watch their pictures on display at Sunder Nursery.
Delhi grooves to sights and sounds of rural India
Vignettes from rural life came alive at a special evening held to felicitate the winners of Village Square’s Annual Photo Exhibition, as the Delhi audience were mesmerised by the winning photos and live folk music performances.
‘More awareness is needed about safe internet use’
“We need to involve parents in conversations about internet safety,” Unmesh Joshi, co-founder and COO of Responsible Netism, tells Village Square.
How livelihoods of the poor can be strengthened
The two-day Livelihoods India Summit being held in New Delhi brings together about 400 delegates with an aim to foster deliberations on issues relating to livelihoods promotion of the poor.