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
Must-see rural festivals in January
From lively harvest festivals to dance, the countryside is buzzing with vibrant celebrations in January. Here are 5 such rural festivals you won’t want to miss.
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 legacy of storytelling by mystical shadows of Tholpaavokothu puppets
The ancient art form of Tholpaavokothu shadow puppetry is a cultural ritual steeped in tradition, spirituality, and artistic craftsmanship. It is unique in more ways than one.
Key Monastery – The Crown Jewel of Spiti
The grand and majestic Key Monastery, nestled on a hill above the Key Village in Spiti Valley, is an important Buddhist centre. It attracts tourists and astrophotographers alike, who can stay in the monastery guest house and enjoy the local food.
The quirky village that straddles two states
The village of Sajanpur is an anomaly – it navigates the crossroads of two states, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, forging its own path and celebrating its diversity.
Sarai Boda: The ‘Black Gold’ of Chhattisgarh’s Dhamtari forests
Chhattisgarh’s rare Sarai Boda or “black gold” is a type of mushroom that has humble origins on the forest floor. However, its uniquely seasonal availability has pushed up its demand and prices, too.
Village crime school in Madhya Pradesh grooms next generation of thieves
Kadiya village seems plucked from the pages of a Dickensian novel, but crime here is a profession, taught and executed, as parents hand over their children to local gangs that teach them the dark arts of pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and deceit.
The Evolution of Toda Embroidery
Toda embroidery, practised by the indigenous people of Nilgiri hills, is known for its precise geometric patterns of bright red, black and white inspired by nature and mythological stories. Spurred by market demand, it is gaining visibility through a wide array of products.
Talao village: A rural tourism success story
Village Talao in Haryana’s Jhajjar district attracts over 65,000 tourists annually to its cultural hub Pratapgarh Farms. It serves as a lesson in how sustainable tourism can craft a story of hope and progress for its community.