Photo Stories
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.
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?
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.
Spare a thought for the sparrows
One man's mission is to save the sparrows on his land after being devastated by the death of three little birds trapped in his house.
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.
Manipur woman makes clothes with lotus stem fibre
Bijiyashanti Tongbram, a 30-year-old entrepreneur from Manipur, makes mufflers and stoles by spinning lotus stems. Her innovation caught the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Display of India-Bangladesh friendship at Tripura’s Akhaura post
Akhaura, 10 km from Agartala, serves as a vital land port connecting India and Bangladesh. A zero line, marked near Agartala-Akhaura check post, symbolises camaraderie. On Bangladesh's Victory Day, guards exchange greetings, sweets, and flowers.
Sohrai workshop brings together artistic hiveminds
Khwabgaon near Jhargram experienced a collaborative exchange between two cultures as artists from Hazaribag, Jharkhand, came over to Konedoba in Jhargram district and painted an illustrative Sohrai mural for three days.
The exuberant post-wedding bridal march of Tangkhul Nagas
Ngala katha remains a prominent tradition in Tangkhul Naga weddings, enduring despite modernization. The vibrant post-wedding march from bride's to groom's house is cherished as its highlight.
Manipur’s transmen’s football team transforms lives
Ya_All, a UN-recognised LGBTI+ youth-led organisation in Imphal, Manipur, symbolises resilience and inclusivity in Northeast India. This groundbreaking initiative goes beyond sports, making a significant impact.
How the Oraon tribe makes Mahua liquor
In India, the Mahua flower, nestled in the branches of the Indian butter tree, is a cherished secret of the Oraon tribe. Explore the significance of Mahua liquor in their culture and its timeless recipe.
Delivering smart solutions for sustainable food security
In this visual journey, we encapsulate the determination and hard work of farmers from around the country. From traditional farming to technological advancement, farming has evolved differently under different climatic conditions. This kisan diwas we celebrate farmers across India who toil day and night to put food on our tables.