Village Vibe
Unveiling ‘landa’, Odisha’s tribal spirit, once forbidden by the British
In southern Odisha’s Koraput district, tribal communities like Paroja, Kondh, Gadaba, Kotia and Dharua have brewed ‘landa’ for centuries. The traditional alcoholic beverage made from ragi is intrinsically linked with their social and religious life.
Bihar’s Mud Holi: A rooted, rustic, rural revelry
Bihar’s centuries-old ‘Mud Holi’, locally called Dhurkheli, continues to refresh and uplift rural communities, blending tradition, joy, and the healing touch of nature in a vibrant celebration.
10 unique ways India celebrates Holi
From displaying martial art skills to lighting bonfires and throwing flowers, Holi is celebrated in a variety of ways across India. Here, we take a closer look at 10 unique traditions.
Traditional Holi snacks from the heartland
This Holi, add flavour to your celebrations with these 5 easy recipes from rural India.
From earth to art: Larnai black clay pottery
Larnai black clay pottery, hand-crafted using locally sourced black clay and serpentine stone, is a traditional art form from Meghalaya. Known for its unique designs, it reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The portrayal of women in Kalighat paintings
Kalighat paintings offer a fascinating glimpse into the complex and evolving relationship between societal expectations, gender roles, and females in India. By portraying women as both symbols of tradition and catalysts for change, the art form serves as a valuable record of a transformative period. The contemporary depiction of women in Kalighat can be seen as a continuing struggle for gender equality and women’s rights in today’s society.
Snow and the spirit of sportsmanship
‘When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.’ The adage holds true for young boys of Gurez Valley, a remote region along the ancient Silk Route, home to the Dard Shin tribe in north Kashmir. The valley remains covered with snow and cut off from the rest of the world for nearly six months. However, this doesn’t dissuade youngsters here from indulging in what they love the most–Snow Cricket.
Her cafe’s Kangri dham a big draw
Started by Manisha Thakur in 2022, Her cafe is an all-women-run cafe in Bir that serves local Himachali delicacies and provides the feel of a home-cooked meal in their village-inspired cafe setting.
March’s must-attend fests in India
Spring is the perfect time to explore some of India’s lively cultural and religious events. Village Square presents a list of 5 such celebrations that you must attend this March.
A chance encounter gets an ancient fort a new lease on life
A chance discovery of an early 16th-century ancient fort near Bengaluru during a trek inspired a community to restore it.
Animals are welcome in these Indian temples
From dogs to rats and monkeys, animals occupy a divine status at these temples around India. On World Wildlife Day, let’s take a look at these unique places of worship.
Sacred sounds: Gen Z finds zen in Vedic chants
Vedic chanting, believed to be the world’s oldest oral tradition, seems to be in vogue again, this time among the younger generation.
Tattoos: Wearing cultural history on the skin
Tattoos, passed down generations across India, link individuals to their cultural heritage, depicting a person's identity, caste, gender, beliefs, and customs. Diverse tattoo practices are found in many tribes and groups, each with its methods and meanings.
Opportunities to help Gen-Z create impact in rural India
All charged up to make a difference? This World NGO Day, Village Square curates opportunities, internships and fellowships for Gen Z to drive change in the rural development sector.
Sweet strawberry surprise serenades Jharkhand fields
Farmers of Jonha panchayat in Ranchi district in Jharkhand are adopting newer exotic crops like strawberry. It is helping them become economically prosperous while enjoying direct market access.
Unveiling uncomfortable rural truths through art
Multidisciplinary artist Umesh Singh, from Bhojpur in Bihar, uses forgotten farming tools and materials to reveal uncomfortable truths about rural India. Through his art, he highlights the problem of migration, farmers’ struggles and environmental challenges.
International Mother Language Day: Moves to preserve India’s linguistic diversity
On the 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day, observed worldwide on February 21, we look at the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of India and how this valuable repository is being revitalised.
Explore the richness of traditional Indian art
Learning about Indian art has become accessible, through books, movies, podcasts as well as workshops and courses. Whether it is traditional art or contemporary, they connect us to India’s rich cultural legacy.
Painting the wild: Winter art camp in Koraput
Once infamous as Odisha’s “red corridor”, Koraput is now a haven for artists from all corners of the country. At a winter art camp organised by Udyosha, the serene landscape of Damanjodi came alive on canvases.
The first green village of India – Khonoma
Khonoma village, located in Nagaland, was once known as a ‘warrior village’ for the fierce resistance it put up during the British colonial period. Today, the picturesque hamlet is India’s first green village, known for its rich cultural heritage, sustainable farming practices, and strong conservation efforts.