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
Asia’s ‘biggest’ underground library in Rajasthan has no readers
In the middle of and, more notably, underneath the Thar desert, Bhadariya Library in Jaisalmer houses row upon row of books that very few people come to read these days.
Sports for Transformation Fellowship by Dani Foundation
Sports for Transformation Fellowship (SFTF) by Dani Foundation is a one-of-a-kind program that combines the power of sports with the goal of community development.
Kashmir’s willow wickerwork gets a modern facelift
In the face of cheap plastic products from China, Kashmiri craftsmen meld traditional willow with modern designs to create a wide range of competitive products – vases, lamp shades, haute kitchenware and even sofas.
A café in Dantewada resuscitates life in a conflict zone
In southern Chhattisgarh, which mostly hits headlines for Naxalite violence, a restaurant serving fresh, locally-sourced food, good music and a convivial atmosphere is making a difference in people’s lives.
As an Indian Naga, I pray for unity: guitar sensation Imnainla Jamir
Imnainla Jamir caught the nation by storm with her guitar performance of the national anthem at the Hornbill Festival in December 2022. Village Square speaks with the sensational guitarist about performing the national anthem, the challenges of being a female musician, tackling racism and the journey ahead.
Ladakh’s Chipko: Mothers out on streets to save ‘sacred’ juniper trees
Women of Hanupatta high up in the Himalayas man checkpoints to stop felling and smuggling of juniper trees that are much in demand for their aroma.
Heaven’s the limit for Kashmir’s Khatamband ceiling woodwork after years in near-hell
A luxury of the medieval elite, the handcrafted and eclectic craft of wood-carved ceilings almost died out in the face of political and economic exigencies, but a few artisans keep Kashmir’s 400-year-old legacy alive.
Shark Tank 2022 tows the rural India line
We all know the hit TV show Shark Tank features the best and bravest of the tough start-up world, but this season showcased a handful of exciting entrepreneurs fully rooted in making an impact in rural India.
Ice hockey – a popular winter sport playing out in Ladakh
Odisha isn’t the only place in India swept by hockey fever. Leh in Ladakh – more than 2,500 km away from Bhubaneswar that is hosting the World Hockey Championship – is caught up in a similar frenzy, with a slight twist though. It’s ice hockey that is keeping the Ladakhis engaged and entertained. Ice hockey – an annual affair in January when temperatures plummet and ponds freeze – is a source of immense pride to the Ladakhis.