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
Have you seen these traditional Indian dances yet?
Dialects, dresses, cuisines, rituals… There is always something new to learn about India. This World Dance Day, here are some traditional dance forms from across the country that’ll make you want to shake a leg.
‘Rancho’ of Dewas gives up on engineering dream to become driver
Financial troubles are forcing Vishal Choudhary to abandon his passion for creating mechanical marvels that saw him convert a bike into a car.
Vacation for a cause at Navtej Johar’s village homestay
Renowned Bharatnatyam exponent and LGBTQ activist Navtej Singh Johar is using the proceeds from the homestay to educate the children of Chamaru village in Punjab
Music band rings in new dawn for ex-prisoners
Naya Savera is a unique band comprising former inmates of Udaipur Central Jail out to shrug off their past for redeeming themselves.
5 books on rural India to add to your reading list
How well do you think you know rural India? These five books will give you an insight into village life beyond your current perception. This World Book Day, move beyond reading what everyone else is and dive right into the countryside.
Kerala’s first transgender lawyer helps promote inclusivity
Transgender people come out and seek her help after years of hiding their gender identity for fear of being ostracised. Padma Lakshmi is happy to oblige.
Visit these lesser-known heritage sites of rural India
There are close to 40 UNESCO World Heritage sites in India, but have you heard about these hidden gems?
‘Heritage is where your identity lies’
Heritage India’s founder Manjiri Khandekar tells us why it’s important to make people aware about India’s rich, vast heritage and how the COVID-19 pandemic sprang a pleasant surprise on them.
Chhattisgarh’s magical mahua flowers in pics
Versatile and rich in nutrition, mahua is an important forest produce for the tribal communities in Chhattisgarh. Families store dried mahua in bulk to make mahua liquor, a popular beverage in the region.