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
Kashmiri girls pedal out of taboos
Kashmiri women who cycled were once ridiculed. But the pandemic-induced lockdown spurred them to cycle their way to better health and fitness, breaking patriarchal shackles along the way.
Muharram mourning – the village way
With digital invites the norm, did you know the ancient tradition of door-to-door verbal invites still continues? That’s not the only custom that sets UP villages apart either.
Mass marriage party in Jharkhand
Tribal communities hold mass marriage celebrations not just for the big party, but to legitimise long-standing relationships, ensuring women and children have legal recognition.
Village shelter for animals in distress
One man’s passion for animals helps creatures in distress – from monkeys to donkeys, dogs to ducks – on the outskirts of Lucknow. But running an animal shelter isn’t always easy.
Visitor toll helps tribes develop their villages
District administration permits tribes to collect toll from tourists visiting Kataki waterfall. With the revenue, the toll committee upgrades the village and waterfalls, besides helping the needy
Tribes welcome revival of traditional cultural centers
Ghotuls, traditionally where youth learnt to take on responsibilities, fell into decline for many reasons. Tribes believe the government’s plan to revive them would uphold the tribal culture
Baul singers take to digital performances during lockdown
Minstrels of Bengal who carry on traditional baul singing were hit hard by the lockdown. Ticketed live streaming has enabled them to sustain themselves and their art
Students help revive traditional metal craft
Students with a passion for social entrepreneurship have helped traditional metal craftsmen to adapt to changing times with new designs, and explore new markets within the country and beyond
Lockdown drives embroidery artisans to alternate jobs
With sales dwindling to a low during the lockdown, artisans who undertake skilled embroidery, have been forced to shutter workshops and switch to other means of livelihood