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
Be in the pink this winter with Kashmiri noon chai
A symbol of Kashmir’s culture – salty, heavy noon chai – is brewed in evaporated milk and served hot at tea stalls and homes alike.
Alu Kurumba art depicts the tribes’ connection with nature
In the remote forests of the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu, one man tries to keep the art of the Alu Kurumbas tribe alive despite the impact of a cultural shift.
She thought baul brings poverty, today she is a baulini of international acclaim
Having seen her father eke out a living, Rina Das Baul disliked the idea of marrying a baul singer, fearing a likely poverty-stricken life. But her husband not only encouraged her to learn baul music, but got her to perform with him, which eventually took her to international stages.
Manipur’s folk-rock band hits the right notes
Featherheads Haokui, an Indigenous music band from Ukhrul promotes the unique culture and oral traditions of the Tangkhul Naga Community through their folk-rock music.
What’s Christmas in southern Tamil Nadu without these traditional treats?
In the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, Christmas celebration is incomplete without mundhiri kothu and vivikkam – two traditional sweets with names that may sound strange to others.
Ladakh’s lute maker gives ‘dranyen’ new lease of life
Leh-based craftsman Tsering Angchuk helps to revive six-stringed slender musical instrument that once was synonymous with the nomads of the highlands of Jangthan Kharnak.
Boube jung – Kashmir celebrates the onset of chillai kalan with a friendly flame-throw
In a centuries-old tradition, people indulge in throwing firecrackers towards each other across the water in Dal Lake neighbourhoods, marking the winter solstice on 21 December, and the beginning of the 40-day harshest winter.
Kashmir’s cricket bats go global, give English willow a run for its money
Bat-maker Fawzul Kabeer helps bring Kashmiri willow bats the attention and market they deserve.
Kashmir’s cricket bats go global, give English willow a run for its money
Bat-maker Fawzul Kabeer helps bring Kashmiri willow bats the attention and market they deserve.