Village Vibe

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.

Through the lens: Ghulam Mohammad Sofi chronicles Mahatta’s legacy
In 1972, Ghulam Mohammad Sofi joined Srinagar’s legendary Mahatta studio. Founded in 1915, it pioneered colour photography, capturing history, celebrities, and Kashmir’s essence through its lens.

Wood villas: Uttarakhand mountain retreats with stunning views
With the Uttarakhand government promoting Homestay Tourism in the High Himalayan Zone, a new breed of ecologically conscious chalet and wood villa developers are becoming gamechangers for the state’s tourism. And a ‘millennial’ Kumaoni is taking the lead in changing perceptions.

Mawryngkhang trek celebrates the lore of a love affair
The Bamboo Trek offers an exhilarating adventure through Meghalaya's lush landscapes. This scenic trail takes you through dense bamboo forests, across vibrant hills, and along stunning cliffs. It is not for the faint-hearted.

Cupid calling: Five unique socially accepted romantic trends in rural India
Valentine’s Day may be a relatively modern trend, but rural India has its fair share of romance, from matchmaking in melas to socially sanctioned live-in relationships.

Romanian chocolate lover makes the Indian cocoa market sweeter
For Patricia Cosma, a Romanian lover of craft chocolates, a chance visit to an Indian coffee plantation alters the course of her life, and she ends up living here to help local farmers cultivate and market their cocoa.

Recipes that celebrate punchy pulses
Today is World Pulses Day and India is a country with abundant pulses. With so many regional variations, there are a variety of delicious recipes for these edible seeds of legume plants. Here are a few to try out.

Mawlynnong: The village that redefines cleanliness
Mawlynnong, known as ‘Asia's cleanest village’, is a picturesque settlement in Meghalaya. Famous for its pristine beauty, eco-friendly practices, and welcoming community, it offers a unique experience of sustainable living amidst breathtaking landscapes.

Get your Genie in a Bottle!
Here is a new age lifestyle brand that will tickle your senses with aromatherapy. Genie in a Bottle is homegrown in the forests of the Dhauladhar ranges from where it draws its inspiration to create magical blends of essential oils.

Don’t miss these cultural fests of February
February marks the arrival of spring and a vibrant array of cultural festivals in India. Here are five such fests that you can attend this month.

Flying above the abode of clouds
As a child, Maxwell dreamt of becoming a pilot. When that dream didn’t materialise, he discovered paramotoring and found a new way to reach the skies. Now, he’s dedicated to promoting the sport in his home state of Meghalaya.

Empowering the Kalandar women, one stitch at a time
Women from the Kalandar community are stitching a new future and redefining their destiny. Uncover their transformative journey of empowerment through the Wildlife SOS Sewing Training Centres.