Village Vibe

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.

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Kangri, the secret to Kashmiri warmth, and the risk around it

Kashmiri villagers keep the tradition of the kangri alive – the wicker enclosed personal fire pot – despite the health risks and many urbanites turning to cheap electric heaters to keep them warm in winter.

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Kashmiri harissa: From posh grub to comfort food

Once a winter comfort food afforded only by the rich in downtown Srinagar, the minced-meat dish of harissa is now warming the hearts of people living in far-flung and high-altitude villages, thanks to online orders and delivery.

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Photo essay: When millets go mainstream to bring a revolution

Once known as poor man’s food, millets are being recognised for their nutrition and climate resilience. In Odisha, tribal women self-help groups are leading a revolution through their millet-based food enterprises.

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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.

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Sports for Transformation Fellowship by Dani Foundation

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.