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
Stopping the Baiga tribal tattoo art from fading
Forehead tattoos - steeped in symbolism - used to distinguish Baiga tribal girls from the other tribes, but today few want them. Which is why Baiga tattoo artist Mangala Bai Marawi wants to preserve the tradition.
Rural youth turn to cool eco-tourism jobs in Chhattisgarh
Converted into an eco-tourism facility, the scenic spot near Kodar Dam in Chhattisgarh offers a perfect weekend get-away, while ensuring local employment for rural youth and better income.
June – Photo of the Month
The quality and energy of our readers and supporters when it comes to capturing rural India on camera has overwhelmed us again. Do have a look at these beautiful snaps sent for this Photo of the Month series.
Distant dream of sex reassignment surgery
With government hospitals lacking mandated hormonal therapy and counselling facilities for transgenders and private hospitals super expensive, sex reassignment surgery is beyond the reach of transgenders.
Tea Tales – India’s ever evolving chai culture
As we observed International Tea Day on May 21, to peek into the vibrant history of chai and chai tapris in India, Village Square spoke to Arup K Chatterjee, professor of English at OP Jindal Global University. He is the author of widely acclaimed books including, The Purveyors of Destiny: A Cultural Biography of the Indian Railways and The Great Indian Railways.
Celebrating India’s favorite beverage – chai
For India, chai is more than just a beverage. Chai and the chai tapris (tea stalls) evoke a bundle of emotions. For this International Tea Day, we are taking you on a chai-tapri tour. To the familiar transparent chai-glasses, aluminum kettles, and the smell of ginger, elaichi, and brewing tea leaves. We bring to you, from tea gardens to the vibrant chai tapris which are also spaces for wonderful conversations.
And with fury flows the Teesta
The River Teesta bears the brunt of ill-planned development with dams and tunnels in the disaster-prone area, leading to many rafting and car accidents.
Saving Khovar and Sohrai arts of “painted villages”
Tribal murals that bear a remarkable resemblance to prehistoric cave paintings were fading away until a passionate art conservation couple revived it, helping the artists exhibit in international galleries.
Shades of motherhood from rural India
For Mother’s Day 2022, Village Square pays tribute to all mothers, who embody unconditional love, compassion, care giving and labor. Their list of tasks is endless and roles undefined. They wear different hats at different times of the day. Sometimes a teacher, other times a sibling, a best friend and a confidant. For this Mother’s Day we are featuring photographs which capture the many, beautiful shades of motherhood from across rural India.