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

The MGNREGA worker who won an Asian Games medal
From digging pits as a daily wage labourer to taking the podium at Hangzhou, China, Asian Games medallist Ram Baboo has come a long way. But his village continues to wait for many facilities, the athlete tells us.

Life at Daribokgre village in Meghalaya
Meghalaya is home to three prominent communities - Khasi, Garo and Jaintia. Garos comprise the second-largest tribe in the state. Let's explore a Garo village and their way of life.

Kumhartuli artisans in full swing ahead of Durgo Pujo
West Bengal's artisans flock to Kumhartuli village for crafting Durga idols during Durgo Pujo. Some switch careers for six months while others specialise in making jewellery, attire and wigs.

Finding a soul in Uttarakhand’s ghost village
Set in a village with seven inhabitants, Srishti Lakhera’s National Award-winning film Ek Tha Gaon showcases the issue of Uttarakhand’s ‘ghost’ villages. She tells us about the movie, its two women protagonists and more.

Book Review: The Indian Village by Surinder S. Jodhka
Published by Aleph Book Company, the book chronicles socioeconomic changes in Indian villages through interesting anecdotes.

Why is Jharkhand’s Paitkar scroll art losing colour?
Paitkar scroll paintings of Jharkhand are silently fading into oblivion due to waning interest in the art form among enthusiasts and the apathy of authorities.

Creative economy is empowering rural India
Creative industries are emerging as a powerful way for rural youth to explore new livelihood opportunities based on their traditional knowledge, using new ways to showcase their talents and support the community.

A forest hunt for Chhattisgarh’s delicious Pihiri mushrooms
The rare Pihiri mushrooms found amid the lush greenery of Chhattisgarh's Achanakmar Tiger Reserve serve as a lifeline for local villagers who harvest them for income while tackling challenges like wildlife threats.

Delicacies from the heartland
On this World Food Day, we are celebrating the diversity of Indian cuisines -- from the Santhal tribe's red ant chutney in Odisha to Chhattisgarh's millets cafe that crafts burgers, pizzas and dosas, showcasing cultural uniqueness through food.