Photo Essays
Mount Wuya Kachui – Manipur’s mystical hillock of flowers
The mist-covered Wuya Kachui, which translates to Mountain of Sleep Paralysis thanks to a local legend, is popular for its wuyawon or pink orchid ginger flowers that clothe the hillsides in pink in July every year, attracting tourists.
This is why gucchi mushrooms are the world’s priciest
Morel mushrooms, also known as gucchi, may be the globe’s most expensive mushroom, but now climate change is impacting its availability. Village Square does a visual essay on what goes into sourcing the prized delicacy.
Experience a slice of traditional living at this MP ‘ashram’
Reverse-migrating from Gurugram to their roots, this couple from Madhya Pradesh set up Jeevika Ashram near Jabalpur to embrace a traditional lifestyle, promote local crafts and give visitors an authentic cultural experience at their property.
Summer vibes of India – school photo contest winners announced!
Here are the winning entries of the ‘Summer vibes of India – National photo contest’ held for school students.
From cowshed to an offbeat AirBNB in Bir, Himachal
A cowshed was transformed into a home by a techie from Gujarat in 45 days. Read on about the transformation done by Jigish Gohil, a paragliding pilot who wanted to live closer to the skies.
How the decline of launda naach has impacted the queer community
Launda naach, practised in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, dates back to when women, barred from dancing in public, were replaced by effeminately dressed men. Kajal Bhabhua, a trans performer, says the dance form is fading now.
Ornamental treasures from rural India
In addition to being a striking fashion statement, jewellery is also an integral part of India’s rich cultural heritage. Village Square brings to you a photo essay comprising vibrant ornaments from rural India.
Zardozi: Is the golden embroidery of Bareilly losing its sheen?
Zari zardozi – the manual art of embroidering golden or silver threads on fabric and embellishing with sequins – a once-thriving art in Uttar Pradesh – appears to be moving past its golden days because of Chinese machine-made embroidery.
These workers keep the brick kilns burning despite hardships
In Barkhedi Abdulla, a village dotted with brick kilns, local and migrant workers continue to toil under the sun despite hardships, hoping that the clay they mould will shape their lives for the better.
In pics : Rural India’s lifeline – bicycles
In rural India, bicycles are indispensable, providing essential transportation for work, school and leisure, come rain or shine. They are the true lifelines, ensuring mobility and connectivity.
In pics – How India’s fishers look for ‘net gain’
Approximately 28 million fishers, both men and women, thrive across India, showcasing their skills in lakes, rivers and oceans. Stunning aerial shots reveal the deep cultural bonds they forge and the breathtaking landscapes of the country.
Rural women breathe easy in the kitchen, thanks to biogas
Women in UP’s Bahraich district regularly faced breathing problems and watery eyes when they used wood-fired stoves for cooking. But now biogas produced from cow dung has made cooking easier, faster and cheaper.
In pics: How rural India embraces mobile technology
Mobile phones are revolutionising villages, bridging the digital divide and empowering communities in remarkable ways. From leisure and entertainment to education and productivity, rural Indians are seamlessly integrating mobile technology into every facet of daily life.
Women farmers harness solar power for irrigation
Switching to solar power for irrigation from diesel pumps that were costly, hard to operate and polluting, women farmers in this Uttar Pradesh village grow high-value crops, simultaneously reducing the irrigation cost by half.
Escaping Mumbai’s heatwave in spectacular Spiti
Earlier in April, I went to Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, momentarily escaping Mumbai’s brutal heat and humidity. Nestled at 14,000 ft., its cold, snow-covered mountainous landscape, sustainable living, and mystical beauty is truly a ‘world within worlds’ as Rudyard Kipling described it.
One woman’s mission to make goats healthier in UP villages
This 31-year-old resident of Bahraich district in Uttar Pradesh has become a a pashu sakhi to ensure goat health by taking care of vaccination, medical treatments and safe delivery of animals.
The many shades of Varanasi ghats
Take a journey through the vibrant, colorful and iconic ghats of Varanasi - from bustling markets to tranquil sunrises and sacred evening aartis.
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.
Celebrating the arrival of spring with the Fagli festival
Fagli, celebrated across Himachal Pradesh to mark the transition of the season from winter to spring, is a significant and colourful festival with traditional music and dance that brings communities together.