Photo Stories
Himachal’s very own wild cherry blossom
Locally known as Pajja in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, the Wild Himalayan Cherry is native to the lower Himalayan region. The tree bears bitter fruits that the locals don’t consume, but its pink blossoms envelop the landscape beautifully in November.
Gonbo Rongjon: The mountain where people see God
While Tibetan Buddhists of Zanskar Valley hold the mountain in high spiritual regard, many trekkers and adventurists come simply to experience its grandeur. At 5,520 metres, Gonbo Rongjon is impossible to miss in the remote valley.
Hornbill festival, a unique spectacle of Nagaland’s cultural roots
The Hornbill festival held in Kohima Nagaland from 1-10 December each year showcases the cultural diversity of the region’s 17 Naga tribes. Featuring traditional music, dance, crafts, and cuisine, this year the festival celebrates its 25th anniversary as it offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the rich heritage of the state.
Ogla, the blushing buckwheat blossom
Buckwheat, aka ogla, is mostly known for its grain-like seeds used in cooking. But take a look at its flower! When ogla fields blossom in one of the few places it grows in India, the whole Sangla Valley in Himachal Pradesh blushes pink.
Dreams of Forest Fringe Bodo kids
On the fringe of the Nameri National Park and Reserve Forest, an initiative is helping develop the education and dreams of Bodo tribal children. A self-sustaining model of school management, the initiative by Assam Investment Advisory Society (AIAS) with the Upendra Nath Brahma ME School provides high quality and holistic education to its children. On Children' s day photographer Vicky Roy shares the story of these children in their native Bodo Language.
Nature at the heart of Bihar’s vibrant Chhath Puja
As many across the country participate in the sacred rituals of Chhath Puja today, Village Square presents the visual story of the festival.
Gue, and its 500-year-old secret
A Himachali village bordering Tibet attracts people from all over the world for a mummy that was embalmed here many centuries ago. Here are the chief attractions of this place, known as Gue.
Chamba’s Minjar: A celebration of tradition, harvest, and culture
Have you been to the Minjar fair in Himachal’s Chamba district that has become a draw for tourists from across India? This photo essay captures the many moods of the festivities.
Where Buddha meets the stars in a fossil village
The village of Langza in Spiti Valley is becoming popular not just for its sights, but for the fossils of marine animals and plants. Village Square does a recce of the Himalayan hamlet.
Good prevails in vibrant hues at the Kulasai Dussehra
Kulasai Dussehra, the festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil is celebrated lavishly in the village of Kulasekharapatnam, in Tamil Nadu’s Thooththukudi district. Village Square presents the celebrations in images.
There’s art in Ladakh’s choktse, the multi-purpose low table
Each motif in the ornately carved wooden choktse of Ladakh, an everyday object in every household, reflects the facets of life. Despite challenges and the intense work involved, artisans persevere to preserve Ladakh’s distinct cultural heritage.
Water sports make a splash in Kashmir
Efforts from all quarters to encourage water sports in Jammu and Kashmir are bearing heartening results. Here’s a round-up of the current scenario in photos.
War turns Hunderman into Kargil’s ghost village
Caught in the crossfire between India and Pakistan, residents of Hunderman fled for their lives. Though a few descendants have returned, the village still appears deserted, where a museum stands as testimony to villagers’ memories.
Coastal erosion takes its toll on this Odisha village
As the thriving coastal community with 200 families has been forced to abandon their houses and leave the village because of sea erosion, Podampetta in Odisha’s Ganjam district appears like a ghost village.
Tangkhul Nagas stare at threadbare future of backstrap weaving
Backstrap weaving is woven into the cultural fabric of the indigenous Tangkhul Naga community. With changing preferences and mechanical looms producing cheaper garments, the art of backstrap weaving appears to be on the threshold of oblivion.
Phuktal Gompa – Feeling on top of the world at this Ladakh monastery
Phuktal Gompa is a centuries-old monastery in the Zanskar region of Ladakh. Renowned Buddhist scholars and teachers resided in a cave, around which the monastery has been built. The place of retreat, learning and meditation for Buddhist monks is a major attraction for tourists today.
A behind-the-scenes peek into Ek Aadmi ka Nyota
We take a look at what went into the filming of the short film Ek Aadmi ka Nyota, which is a story derived from the personal childhood experience of its director Amit Kumar.
Kashmiri women break gender shackles at Muharram
With more women coming out to participate in the Muharram processions, the mourning rites are achieving a new aspect in Kashmir. Village Square does a round-up of this year’s observance in the Valley in photos.
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.