Photo Stories
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.
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.
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.