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
J&K: Gujjar women’s embroidered skullcaps lose out to modern fashion
Colourfully embroidered skullcaps are the cultural identity of the Gujjar women of Kashmir. With the younger generation not keen on wearing the caps, the women fear losing their tradition.
Child Trafficking: “To unite children with their parents feels amazing”
Shrishti Shankar leads rescues and raids against child trafficking and child labour in Jharkhand. Working with Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA) as Ranchi’s District Coordinator, she also strategizes on the best ways of protecting rural children at the grassroots level.
Once a pride, the Malkangiri pony struggles to survive
Cut off from mainland Odisha, the hilly hinterland of Swabhiman Anchal depended on horses to carry goods and people for ages, but modern roads have pushed these pack animals to the fringes.
Universal Brotherhood: Baul festival of mystic minstrels enchants Bengal village
A three-day annual festival of Baul mystic minstrels enchants audiences with their songs of love and unity in the East Bardhaman district of West Bengal.
Survey shows what downtime in rural India is really like
The stereotype of India’s villages is of work and drudgery – but is that all? A new survey shows rural Indians are as obsessed with tech as their urban cousins -- for education, business and entertainment – while kids will play with anything on hand.
How Manipur’s rural women are weaving wonders from Kauna weed
Organic baskets, mats and other decorative handicrafts made of kauna grass grown in the marshes of the Imphal valley are providing a sustainable livelihood to women and their families.
“You’re a girl. How can you go out in a sports outfit?”
Taunted and rebuked by the conservatives during her teenage years for her passion for water sports, the encouraging words of her mother kept Bilquis Mir going. Now the 33-year-old is not only a household name and a youth icon in Kashmir but also a trusted coach and international judge.
Once a ‘burden’, double-humped camel is a prized animal in Ladakh today
Once regarded as a burden and used exclusively to carry loads in the remote parts of Ladakh, the double-humped camel is now a main source of livelihood for scores of families in the region.
Downtime in Rural India – photo competition winners announced!
See how rural India relaxes and plays - the winning photographers are announced from this year's Village Vibe photo competition, Downtime in Rural India. If you're in Delhi head to Sundar Nursery to see these photos exhibited in the park through December.