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
‘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.