Village Vibe celebrates the art, culture and festivals of India’s village life. Urbanites aren’t the only ones who become social media stars, produce stunning art, enjoy food fads or follow fitness crazes. And as for festivals, there’s a totally different vibe in the villages.
Village Vibe
Indus Waters Treaty in choppy waters
As diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan rise, the future of a 64-year-old water agreement hangs in the balance, raising questions not only in political circles but in regions that rely on these rivers for sustenance. What will become of the treaty that has survived three wars?
Women-run historic homestays that captivate
The doors to these women-run B&Bs are thrown open to guests who enjoy living out of generations-old holiday homes, located near the attractions of the countryside.
Can India’s Nutrition Mission deliver?
Five years since the Poshan Abhiyaan began, India's villages remain at the heart of its success, and also failure. It is time we ask whether the policy tools are aligning with rural realities.
The Sieng Riti Institute: A legacy of Khasi tradition
The Sieng Riti Institute in Wahkhen has been highly instrumental in preserving Khasi music, dance, and culture. Founded by Komik Khongjrem, it teaches traditional instruments, songs, and dances, inspiring new generations to appreciate their heritage.
Peninsular heritage bucket-list wonders
How many of these heritage sites in India’s Peninsular region have you seen? Well, for World Heritage Day 2025, we give you a handy list of rural and peri-urban sites not to miss from the southern states.
These are doorways to culture
India’s rich architectural heritage is vividly expressed through its intricate doors, windows, and jharokhas. These elements are not merely functional; they are imbued with deep symbolism and aesthetic significance, reflecting the cultural, religious, and historical contexts of their times.
Sopan Joshi: The mango is India’s memory drive
The mango grove, now rarely seen, was central to both rural and urban landscape in most parts of India since ancient times, says Sopan Joshi, author of Mangifera Indica: A Biography of the Mango.
Udvada, the Vatican of the miniscule Zoroastrian community
Udvada, a sleepy coastal village in Gujarat, is as constant as the North Star in the lives of the vibrant Zoroastrian community, which is on the brink of extinction.
Vishu, the rural Kerala way
Village Square set out on an exploratory journey, talking to people from different villages in Kerala to understand the varied nuances of Vishu celebrations.