Village Vibe
Buy these Diwali goodies to light up lives of rural artisans
It’s India’s season of joy, so why should the less privileged be left behind? Village Square curates five cottage-industry initiatives from where you can buy products this Deepavali to give business to those from marginalised backgrounds.
These architects are building an archive of MP’s tribal traditions
Meet architects Achyut Siddu and Apoorva Mishra who are encouraging members of the Pardhan Gond, Baiga and Bhil tribes of Madhya Pradesh to document their traditions through their initiative, Loksutr.
Substitute for clay to ‘fortify’ Karnataka’s Bidri art
Did you know that the famous Bidri products were traditionally made with clay from a 15th century fort? Now scientists at IIT-Madras have come up with a chemical alternative to help artisans sustain the craft while preserving the monument.
How Meghalaya’s Tura became a chess hub
From its humble beginnings, the Garo Hills Chess Association in Meghalaya has grown into a powerful force, fostering a love for the game in a region where it was once largely unknown.
Once thriving sailboats disappear from Bengal’s waters
The tradition of sailboating, once synonymous with Bengal’s rivers, is vanishing rapidly with modernisation.
Blind siblings from Uttarakhand on road to musical success
Born to daily wage labourers and facing the harsh realities of their disability, three blind siblings are making a name for themselves through their music in Garhwali and Kumaoni languages.
Chamba’s Minjar: A celebration of tradition, harvest, and culture
Have you been to the Minjar fair in Himachal’s Chamba district that has become a draw for tourists from across India? This photo essay captures the many moods of the festivities.
Chitkul, India’s last village
Village Square takes a trip on the old Hisdustan-Tibet road to visit the scenic village of Chitkul. Here’s more on the place.
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.
Meet the Ravan Didi of Uttarakhand
Munni Padiyar Bisht, an unassuming village woman from Chamoli district, metamorphoses into the formidable Ravan Didi through this women-led Ramlila in Uttarakhand.
When the goddess comes calling
Durga Puja is celebrated with pomp and glory not just in the cities, but towns and villages too. Village Square offers glimpses into the celebrations across rural West Bengal.
The woman behind the Durga idol
Mousumi Sardar redefines the art of idol-making, creating a niche for female talent in the male dominated tradition.
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.
Fabulous village festivities you can attend this October
The changing weather in October heralds not just the onset of winter, but also a host of celebrations across the country. We list some special fairs and festivals from the rural tracts that you can visit and enjoy this month.
Champions on wheels defy odds to conquer world
Once confined by severe spinal cord injuries from road accidents, Anjali Thakur and Vidya Kumari have shattered barriers to become international para-athletes with support from Chandigarh Spinal Rehab centre.
A Tangkhul Naga writer’s quest to keep his community’s memories alive
Jim Wungramyao Kasom, a Tangkhul Naga writer shares the inspiration behind his works and the importance of writing for a community that relies heavily on oral traditions to preserve its history.
‘Mother India’ to ‘Laapataa Ladies’: Rural themes in Oscars race from India
As Laapataa Ladies makes it as India’s entry to the Oscars 2025 in the Best International Feature Film category, here are some other rural-themed movies sent as the country’s submission for the prestigious award in the past.
Why you must visit these stunning hill destinations
This World Tourism Day Village Square brings you a curated list of hidden hill stations from the Indian hinterland. From the pristine meadows of the Himalayas in the north to the rolling hills of the south, we’ve got a recommendation for every kind of mountain enthusiast.
Rural escapes that celebrate the romance of Indian villages
From quaint temples and ancient trees to art villages and traditional huts, there is much to be enjoyed in the remote, picturesque Indian villages. So pack your bags and hop on for a ride!
Meet the 24-year-old who wants to preserve Mising culture through music
Rediscovering the rich roots of the Mising culture during a fellowship, Sikur Padma Pao promotes and preserves the indigenous peoples’ natural and cultural heritage through the music that he and his band, The Dynamics, create.