Odisha
Revelling in nature’s bounty at a rural haat
The weekly haat (market) in Jhirpani provides a glimpse into the lives of the tribals and the way the village economy plays out at the grassroot level. Besides uncommon natural treats, lessons in conscious living get added to the cart organically.
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.
Nature’s wonder: Odisha welcomes Olive Ridley Turtles
In an annual ritual, Odisha gets ready to welcome its marine guests from the Pacific as thousands of Olive Ridley turtles descend on the shores of the Rushikulya estuary for their mass-nesting.
Crafting devotion: Potters from Puri
The sacred pottery used in the preparation and serving of Mahaprasad at the Jagannath temple is made by the Kumahar community. The skill, which has been passed down through generations, blends artistry with spirituality, preserving an ancient tradition that plays a crucial role in the religious rituals of temples in Odisha.
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.
A date with a sixth-generation pattachitra artist from Raghurajpur
Village Square spends the day with a local pattachitra artist from Odisha’s famous art village, Raghurajpur, to understand more about the craft and the village that was home to three Padmashree winners.
A Santhal tribal’s journey from struggle to success
The success story of Biswanath Majhi, a Santhal from Mayurbhanj, is not merely a personal triumph but a powerful testament to the transformative potential of grassroots initiatives.
Babeijoda: A portrait of an ideal village
In Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, village Babeijoda has become a symbol of rural progress and community living, exemplified by its close-knit Santal community, which is keeping its traditions alive while moving forward despite challenges.
The thirst of Jaladihi: A village’s fight for water
It took a crisis for the villagers of Jaladihi, in Odisha, to realise their ability to move the establishment. Here’s more on the village’s tussle for water, and their victory over an indifferent system.
From waste to wonder – Odisha’s eco-friendly cow dung toys
At a time when plastic and rubber toys rule the market, artisans in Ganjam district are crafting them in the traditional way. From dolls to animal masks and vegetable shapes, the toys come in various forms and sizes.
How this 15-year-old Odisha girl ‘sprinted’ to a weightlifting record
Preetismita Bhoi made headlines at this year’s IWF World Youth Championships. She tells us how she moved from sprinting to weightlifting due to her coach’s perseverance, and the inspiration she derived from her idol Mirabai Chanu.
Herbal healer leads biodiversity revival in Odisha’s Koraput district
In the green hills of Deomali, Hari Pangi’s mission to plant healing trees shows that with a deep connection to the past and a commitment to the future, one person can inspire change on a grand scale.
How a struggling widow became a micro-entrepreneur
Widowed young, Basanti Nahaka of Odisha was financially struggling till she joined a producer group. With support from her group, she extracts and sells mustard oil in her village and other places, which improves her finances.
Tribal women ensure safe drinking water for their village
In Kantakoli, a remote village in Odisha where the indigenous Juanga community lives, a severe water crisis spurred women to take action and ensure access to clean drinking water and improved livelihoods.
Coastal erosion takes its toll on this Odisha village
As the thriving coastal community with 200 families has been forced to abandon their houses and leave the village because of sea erosion, Podampetta in Odisha’s Ganjam district appears like a ghost village.
Odisha dholak player’s journey from village squares to viral video
Despite battling night blindness and financial hardships, Golak Paik, a musician from Dublabahal village in Odisha, has captivated netizens with his Sambalpuri music after a video of his performance went viral on social media.
Young tribal woman transforms farming in rain-scarce Malkangiri
Muni Madkami has empowered her village and surrounding communities to reclaim their livelihoods through agriculture, effectively curbing large-scale migration to cities for work.
26-year-old Puri youth leads Odisha’s green revolution
Soumya Ranjan Biswal, the 26-year-old founder of Odisha Paryavaran Sanrakshan Aviyan, has mobilised local communities to protect ecosystems, promote mangrove restoration and Olive Ridley turtle conservation, and organise events to combat sea pollution.
Koraput-Rayagada, India’s hidden gem of rail tourism
Scenic beauty, cultural richness and engineering marvels along the Koraput-Rayagada and Kothavalasa-Kirandul rail routes in Odisha make them must-visit destinations for any travel enthusiast.
Mother-coach propels Odisha lad to throwball stardom
In a country where cricket and hockey dominate the sports landscape, Odisha athlete Kuldip Samant’s journey offers hope to aspiring throwball players, proving that even the most unlikely dreams can become a reality.