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
Manipur’s uncommon ‘salt of the earth’ and the threat to its legacy
Thumpak, the traditional salt cakes of Manipur, are still used for rituals, but their demand for everyday use has dwindled with the proliferation of commercial packaged salt.
Village Vibe photo competition – it’s your turn to vote
The stunning entries for the 2nd Village Vibe photo competition are in. Now we turn to you, our prized readers, to have your say and vote for your favorite pictures.
Agri-entrepreneurship: Inspiring family story in a cup of lemongrass tea
The signature tea of the popular Saibaba Gavti Tea Centre on the Pune-Ahmednagar highway tells the story of its owner’s journey from odd-job boy to successful agri-entrepreneur.
Barpeta Satra: Assam’s spiritual hubs beset with falling celibate monk numbers
With families becoming nuclear and small, fewer children are becoming Kewalia Bhakats – monks sworn to celibacy and a strictly austere life at Vaishnavite monasteries.
Marathi women keep alive poet Sant Janabai’s songs of life
Following the Varkari religious tradition, women in Maharashtra take pride in singing the songs of and about Janabai – a 13th century Marathi religious poet and saint.
Chhath Puja: How Muslim women contribute in Hindu festivities in Bihar
As cooking prasad on an earthen stove is important, Muslims make the stoves, continuing their family tradition. They take pride in their contribution to the Hindu festival of Chhath puja, despite low profits.
Nagaland: Young girl breaks the norm, drums her way towards her dreams
A teen teaches herself to play the drums, encourages other girls to hone their innate talents and nurtures future dreams for her village in Nagaland that is shedding patriarchy.
Festivals in India: What’s behind the masks in Leh’s Hemis Festival?
This festival season we look back at Ladakh’s Hemis Festival that showcases the rich culture of dances and masks that are steeped in meaning.
Water sports offer Kashmiri girls new career choices
The popularity of water sports for girls is surging in Kashmir thanks to inspirational coach Bilquis Mir, whose success in national and international water events makes her a role model.