Photo Stories
Halma – MP’s tribal festival helps heal earth
The tradition of Halma, which translates as ‘call for help,’ has been brought back from the brink of extinction and is now celebrated as an environmental festival in the heartland of India.
MP artisans ‘wax’ eloquent through batik
Armed with a GI tag and inclusion under the ‘One District One Product’ initiative of the state government, the batik products of Bhairavgarh in Madhya Pradesh are headed towards better times.
The ‘art houses’ of Odisha’s Santal tribe
The colourful murals painted by Santal women are a centre of attraction in Mayurbhanj district. The community believes that the artworks adorning the mud walls of homes appease their god and ancestors, ensuring their health and prosperity.
World Chocolate Day: Unveil your favourite chocolate’s rural origin
What's sweeter than opening a box of chocolates? The bitter-sweet confectionery is a favourite snack for most of us, but let's not forget its humble origin as a small bean grown in tropical countries like India.
The wrung dhobi ghats of Kashmir
In the Old City of Srinagar, amidst numerous Dhobi Ghats on the Jhelum's banks, a few resilient ghats still bear the legacy of centuries. Meet Kashmir's dhobis who carry on their trade against societal odds.
How areca nut plantations get ready for monsoon
Farmers depend on a special chemical mixture called 1% Bordeaux to save the areca nut from fruit rot disease.
The not-so-sweet journey of Uttarakhand’s peaches
Peaches are the lifeline for many farmers in the Ramgarh region of Uttarakhand. However, the summer fruit is losing its charm as a crop among them due to the rising packaging, labour and transportation costs.
The island village that gets cut off every monsoon
With the lone bridge connecting it to the mainland getting dismantled every monsoon, the island of Pavoor Uliya in Karnataka becomes completely isolated for several months each year.
This colourful card game from Odisha is art
Ganjapa, a traditional card game of Odisha, introduced by the Persians in the 16th century, features hand-painted circular cards depicting Hindu deities. Its popularity has dwindled, but art lovers appreciate the cards as decorative items.
Sal-sufficient: Leafy tableware of Odisha’s Santhal tribe
Santhal women in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district are preserving their ancient heritage by making plates and bowls from sal leaves. However, the arrival of plastic products in remote tribal areas is fast wiping out the practice.
Check out Sarakapatna’s vibrant ‘Hastatanta’ sarees
Sarakapatna in Odisha is the home of 'Hastatanta' sarees that weave a tapestry of beauty and tradition. The rhythmic clatter of tanta (looms) echoes in every household, a testament to the enduring artistry of this captivating craft.
Making of Punjabi Jutti
Punjab is well known for its juttis – footwear made of leather. In the southern region of the state, called Malwa, districts such as Patiala, Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib are among the manufacturers of the footwear – the last one being the most famous.
Fishing and fresh springs: Kashmiri festival unites villages
The Panzath fishing festival, locally known as Rohan Posh, is a centuries-old tradition wherein hundreds of people from multiple villages gather at Qazigund's Panzath village in Kashmir to fish and clean the water body.
All that glitters in Antia village is indeed gold
The centuries-old use of golden grass in making crafts is financially empowering the women of Jajpur in Odisha. A GI tag and aggressive marketing can improve things further.
Nature’s gifts to Tamil Nadu temple town
On this World Environment Day, these pictures from villages surrounding the temple town of Srivilliputtur in Tamil Nadu show the beautiful beings that live among us, urging us to protect them and their habitat.
What palmyra palm means to Andhra
From thatch roofs to tasty vadas (fried fritters), parts of the palmyra palm are used in various ways, with even its sap being a summer delicacy. Here are some snapshots of how it’s used in rural Andhra Pradesh.
Turtuk villagers piece together their broken pasts
The village that became a part of India overnight in 1971 stands witness to the longing felt by the residents who hold to the memories of their broken families and cultural landscape.
Khejri – the wonder tree of Thar desert
The khejri tree is a lifeline for the desert ecosystem in Rajasthan as it provides food and shelter to many animals, besides being used by humans for its fruit and leaves.
Cup full of joy — tea time in India
Tea is more than a beverage for Indians. It’s an emotion, an obsession. Many stories, conversations and moments of bonding unfold over a cup of chai at tapris (kiosks) across India every day. Here are some snapshots.
The last of Kashmir’s flour water mills
Traditional water flour mills once thrived in Kashmir but only a few survive now. Called aab-e-gratte, these mills are cost-effective and run on water current from streams. They are mostly operated by the elderly – perhaps the last generation pursuing this profession.