Village Vibe
From momos seller to hockey hero, Odisha teen overcomes hardships
Dhenkanal under-19 hockey team captain Debrat Nayak, an 18-year-old from Mangalpur village, works at a street food stall to support his family and fund his hockey gear.
‘Kantha Didi’ takes Bengal’s age-old art to global recognition
Meet ‘Kantha Didi’ Tajkira Begum, a self-professed go-getter who has sewed together a narrative of personal resilience, professional excellence and social inclusion using Bengal’s revered kantha stitch.
Why this couple said konnichiwa to a Himachal village
Michael and Devanshe, who run the Himalayan Orchard homestay, quit a cosmopolitan life in Japan to live in her ancestral village in Himachal Pradesh. They tell us about the challenges and opportunities the move unfurled for them.
How the decline of launda naach has impacted the queer community
Launda naach, practised in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, dates back to when women, barred from dancing in public, were replaced by effeminately dressed men. Kajal Bhabhua, a trans performer, says the dance form is fading now.
‘Queer voices are almost absent in the northeast’
Belonging to the LGBTQ+ community is tougher in the northeast, with its context of militarisation and political violence, says Sadam Hanjabam, the founder-CEO of Ya_All, a Manipur-based organisation working to empower the queer identity through sports.
Trans queen from Cooch Behar sets eyes on global stage
Hailing from a small district of Bengal, Arshi Ghosh, the winner of Miss Trans Queen India 2023, will represent India at the International Queen pageant in Thailand. She talks about her journey with Village Square.
Look hot, feel cool with sustainable fabrics this summer
With the mercury breaking records this summer, why not cool things down with some lightweight natural and sustainable fabrics made from crops that our farmers grow? After all, the only thing that should sizzle is your style quotient.
‘Indian ragas are about getting connected with yourself’
Indian classical musician brothers Neeraj Dholakia and Palash Dholakia talk to Village Square about the popularity they enjoy, the wide reach of Western music and why fusion isn’t all bad.
Tribal girls are kicking conventional norms through football
The defiant all-women football team in rural West Bengal is winning hearts for their skills and resilience, and also bridging the gender divide.
From shattered dreams to ecotourism success in Corbett village
Naveen Upadhyay, disheartened after failing to join the army, turned his setback into an opportunity by founding the ecotourism venture Camp Hornbill, dedicated to preserving the beauty of their village despite competition from luxury resorts.
Zardozi: Is the golden embroidery of Bareilly losing its sheen?
Zari zardozi – the manual art of embroidering golden or silver threads on fabric and embellishing with sequins – a once-thriving art in Uttar Pradesh – appears to be moving past its golden days because of Chinese machine-made embroidery.
Tongawallas of Sopore persist despite modernisation
Horse-drawn carriages have been the choice mode of transport for residents of Sopore, in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. However, the pressure to modernise could take a toll on this environmentally-friendly option soon.
These workers keep the brick kilns burning despite hardships
In Barkhedi Abdulla, a village dotted with brick kilns, local and migrant workers continue to toil under the sun despite hardships, hoping that the clay they mould will shape their lives for the better.
Kathiya gehu’s GI tag promises hope for Bundelkhand wheat farmers
Bundelkhand’s native wheat variety kathiya gehu or durum is celebrated for its robust characteristics and nutritional benefits. The GI tag preserves the agricultural heritage of the region and paves the way for a sustainable farming future.
Fading notes of Kashmiri santoor
Ghulam Muhammad Zaz could be Kashmir’s last santoor maker, despite the instrument being integral to Sufi and Kashmiri folk music.
These hidden Himalayan locales are perfect summer getaways
Craving a cool break from the heat of the plains? Head to these secluded Indian hill stations nestled in the Himalayas that are off the tourist map.
In pics : Rural India’s lifeline – bicycles
In rural India, bicycles are indispensable, providing essential transportation for work, school and leisure, come rain or shine. They are the true lifelines, ensuring mobility and connectivity.
In pics – How India’s fishers look for ‘net gain’
Approximately 28 million fishers, both men and women, thrive across India, showcasing their skills in lakes, rivers and oceans. Stunning aerial shots reveal the deep cultural bonds they forge and the breathtaking landscapes of the country.
Kesar mangoes travel from Nashik’s tribal farms to US supermarkets
Tribal farmers of Nashik in Maharashtra have revolutionised mango cultivation, boosting productivity, while access to organic certification and international markets has led to successful exports of the kesar variety to the US.
Six traditional indoor games that kids can enjoy this summer
The heat may keep children indoors during their vacation, but fret not. There are ways to keep them engaged and happy well within the home. Village Square does a round-up of some traditional Indian games that can keep your kids gainfully occupied all through their vacation.