Bihar
Bihar’s all-women Musahar musicians beat drums of change
Founded in 2013, Sargam Mahila Band from the Musahar community makes a bold statement against caste discrimination and stereotypes, earning remuneration, recognition and respect.
Bringing Sufi saints of Bihar from history’s footnotes to its pages
Syed Amjad Hussain, a 19-year-old author of two books on Bihar’s lost love of Urdu, is documenting 50 Sufi saints from the 12th century to contemporary times to correct misconceptions about Sufism.
Nature at the heart of Bihar’s vibrant Chhath Puja
As many across the country participate in the sacred rituals of Chhath Puja today, Village Square presents the visual story of the festival.
Bihar’s STEM girls embrace coding to land lucrative jobs
School of Programming, a collaborative initiative of Project Potential and NavGurukul in Kishanganj, is empowering young women from rural Bihar with software coding skills, opening doors to aspirational careers and transforming their future.
Guarding Garuda: Man Who Saved Greater Adjutant Stork in Bihar
Led by conservationist Arvind Mishra, community-driven efforts in Bhagalpur have revived the population of the critically endangered greater adjutant stork, locally called garuda, increasing their numbers from 78 birds in 2007 to over 600 today.
Bihar’s viral teacher inspires millions with her learning methods
Khushboo Kumari, a 31-year-old government teacher from a small village in Bihar, is known for her creative teaching methods that have gone viral online. She shares her experience with Village Square.
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.
This Bihar village brings stones to life
For centuries, the craft of stone carving has been in the blood and bones of Pattharkatti. In humble workshops filled with the dust and sound of chiseling, artisans hammer stones to life — giving them a fresh appeal.
Bihar women weave a new future with sikki grass
In Bihar's Jhanjharpur block, Munni Devi weaves not just baskets, toys and dolls but also the futures of other women in her village with Madhubani’s magical sikki grass.
How this youth champions organic farming
Satyam Kumar from an agricultural family, immerses himself in organic farming and related activities after graduating in chemistry, and works towards changing unfavourable perceptions about farming.
Breaking barriers: Kabaddi coach empowers women in Bihar
A transformative journey is unfolding in Bihar's Patna district under the guidance of kabaddi coach Mohammed Iliyas. For over 15 years, he has been sculpting the destinies of young women, navigating the landscape of gender inequality in a region where opportunities often seem elusive.
How the Oraon tribe makes Mahua liquor
In India, the Mahua flower, nestled in the branches of the Indian butter tree, is a cherished secret of the Oraon tribe. Explore the significance of Mahua liquor in their culture and its timeless recipe.
Master strokes of a Mithila maestro
Manisha Jha, a passionate Mithila painter and architect dedicated to preserving tradition, talks about her journey, artistic roots and vision for sustaining the rich folk art of this region.
Rural fests you can attend this November
India is bursting with celebrations - from colourful traditions and rituals to music, dance, sports and delicious food. Come and experience the magic of India's festivals taking place in November 2023.
Rural fests you can attend this October
India is bursting with celebrations - from colourful traditions and rituals to music, dance, sports and delicious food. Come and experience the magic of India's festivals taking place in October 2023.
‘Helicopter cars’: Bihar mechanic turns cars into ‘choppers’
Bored during the pandemic lockdown in 2020, a mechanic and his two brothers in Bihar’s Saran district started converting cars into helicopter raths (chariots), which are now a craze during weddings.
Booze bottles become bangles in dry state Bihar
A factory making bangles from discarded liquor bottles in Sabalpur village stands as a symbol of empowerment and resilience, offering hope to women who have found solace and strength in their work, regardless of the hurdles they face.
Atheism library attempts to stoke curiosity in Bihar village
Apna Atheism United Library is a rare initiative that aims to promote the art of questioning and propagate scientific temperament.
Dry taps drive people to toxic groundwater in Bihar
The government provides clean piped water to every household, but villagers in Saharsa district complain that the supply is irregular and inadequate, forcing them to use groundwater laced with arsenic.
‘Men acknowledge domestic violence shown in our plays’
Munia Murmu, 42, believes theatre has empowered her tremendously to address systemic, social issues of domestic violence and gender discrimination in her village. We speak to her about the transformative potential theatre holds for many women like her in Bihar and the rest of India.