Music and Arts
Tribal heritage and fashion at Hijla fair
The Hijla fair in Jharkhand’s Dumka district has been annually showcasing tribal talents and a lot more for over 130 years.
Male dancer takes Punjab giddha stage by storm
Noor Zora – born as Zorawar Sigh - is hugely popular despite being a man who dresses up as a female to perform the women-only folk dance
Punjab’s tumbi set to stage comeback and tug hearts
A revival for the somewhat out-of-fashion folk instrument tumbi seems to be on the cards with stars like Diljit Dosanjh taking to it.
Celebrating Sant Janabai through Dhrupad and Bharatanatyam
A dance production brings to centre stage the life and teachings of Sant Janabai – the simple woman helped in her chores by none other than Lord Vitthala – through traditional dance and music fusion.
As an Indian Naga, I pray for unity: guitar sensation Imnainla Jamir
Imnainla Jamir caught the nation by storm with her guitar performance of the national anthem at the Hornbill Festival in December 2022. Village Square speaks with the sensational guitarist about performing the national anthem, the challenges of being a female musician, tackling racism and the journey ahead.
Youth revive traditional black pottery of Manipur
In Nungbi Khullen of Manipur youth spin their wheels to revive the famed black pottery, selling their products across India and improving their village’s economy.
Alu Kurumba art depicts the tribes’ connection with nature
In the remote forests of the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu, one man tries to keep the art of the Alu Kurumbas tribe alive despite the impact of a cultural shift.
She thought baul brings poverty, today she is a baulini of international acclaim
Having seen her father eke out a living, Rina Das Baul disliked the idea of marrying a baul singer, fearing a likely poverty-stricken life. But her husband not only encouraged her to learn baul music, but got her to perform with him, which eventually took her to international stages.
Manipur’s folk-rock band hits the right notes
Featherheads Haokui, an Indigenous music band from Ukhrul promotes the unique culture and oral traditions of the Tangkhul Naga Community through their folk-rock music.
Ladakh’s lute maker gives ‘dranyen’ new lease of life
Leh-based craftsman Tsering Angchuk helps to revive six-stringed slender musical instrument that once was synonymous with the nomads of the highlands of Jangthan Kharnak.
Universal Brotherhood: Baul festival of mystic minstrels enchants Bengal village
A three-day annual festival of Baul mystic minstrels enchants audiences with their songs of love and unity in the East Bardhaman district of West Bengal.
Marathi women keep alive poet Sant Janabai’s songs of life
Following the Varkari religious tradition, women in Maharashtra take pride in singing the songs of and about Janabai – a 13th century Marathi religious poet and saint.
Nagaland: Young girl breaks the norm, drums her way towards her dreams
A teen teaches herself to play the drums, encourages other girls to hone their innate talents and nurtures future dreams for her village in Nagaland that is shedding patriarchy.
Tribal filmmakers make high content on low budget
Untrained and young tribal moviemakers highlight the social evils and ecological issues plaguing rural India, but budgetary constraints prevent them from taking their cinema to a wider audience
Stopping the Baiga tribal tattoo art from fading
Forehead tattoos - steeped in symbolism - used to distinguish Baiga tribal girls from the other tribes, but today few want them. Which is why Baiga tattoo artist Mangala Bai Marawi wants to preserve the tradition.
Saving Khovar and Sohrai arts of “painted villages”
Tribal murals that bear a remarkable resemblance to prehistoric cave paintings were fading away until a passionate art conservation couple revived it, helping the artists exhibit in international galleries.
Kalbeliya beadwork hanging by a thread
Most famous for their ‘snake charmer’ dance, the Kalbeliya tribes have another precious legacy they are desperate to preserve and earn a livelihood from - the unique bead jewellery that is part of their costume.
Using puppet power to spread messages
Thol paavai koothu, the long but fading tradition of leather puppetry in Tamil Nadu, is reinventing itself by bringing awareness about the declining number of small animals and the importance of conservation.
Is the art of Tibetans in India vanishing?
As children of Tibetan refugees in India seek greener pastures abroad, the once-flourishing Tibetan arts and crafts industry is suffering as there are fewer people interested in their religious handicrafts.
Ancient Mayurbhanj Chhau dance steps up revival
The dramatic 19th century martial arts Mayurbhanj Chhau dance is stepping up its revival thanks to renewed patronage of an erstwhile royal family and government support.