Author: Village Square
Six books to bring children close to rural India
This summer vacation, take the kids on an exciting journey to Indian villages – right from the comfort of your home. Here are six books to acquaint children with rural landscapes, culture and lives.
Loving Diljit Dosanjh as Chamkila? Here are 5 other celebs with Punjab roots
As actor Diljit Dosanj’s Amar Singh Chamkila and Crew make waves at the box office, we look at some celebrities from Punjab who are currently ruling the hearts of their fans.
5 offbeat Himalayan heritage sites to tick off your bucket list
On this World Heritage Day we shortlist five lesser-known historical sites from India’s Himalayan states that you can plan to visit as temperatures peak this summer.
Art, spiritualism and more to delight you at this Dharamshala fest
Get ready to participate in uplifting workshops and performances by eminent artists like Piyush Mishra, Raj Zutshi, Navtej Johar and others at Swara Mountain Arts Festival at Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. The six-day event begins on April 21.
Lok Sabha elections 2024: Six celebs contesting from rural constituencies
Lights, camera, ballot! Bringing glamour to the 2024 parliamentary elections are these six famous personalities who are standing for the upcoming polls from various rural constituencies in India.
5 must-see films that show rural India differently
There is more to the rural tracts of India than meets the eye. Village Square curates some internationally acclaimed films inspired by the Indian hinterland.
Getting inked more than a passing gen-z fad
In India, while tattoos are typically a personal choice, certain tribes use them to maintain their collective identity. Valued for their healing properties and cultural significance, tattoos are becoming a sought-after souvenir for travellers exploring rural India as well. This emerging trend is shedding light on the rustic charm of the countryside, offering a glimpse into a hidden gem of cultural exploration. Here, we showcase snapshots of diverse tattoos adorning the skin of rural India, captured by contestants of the Village Vibe Photo Contest.
Immersing in tradition: A pictorial tale of West Bengal’s Charak puja
Charak puja honors Shiva and Kali, symbolising renewal, forgiveness, and agricultural prosperity. It is celebrated on the occasion of Chaitra Sankranti, the last day (April 14) of the month of Chaitra, which is followed by the Bengali New Year.
Have you heard these rural Indian musical instruments yet?
Rural India is a repository of folk music traditions. Here is a round-up in images of some of the musical instruments that are a part of this rich legacy. They certainly strike the right chord in the community, don’t they?
Watched Laapataa Ladies? Here are 5 other hit films shot in MP
Over 175 movies, OTT series and TV shows have been shot in quaint settings across Madhya Pradesh. Here are five of them for you to binge-watch, and get a taste of the true heartland of India.
Delicious traditional Odia recipes that you must try
As Odisha celebrates its Utkala Divas (formation day) on April 1, we bring to you some star dishes from the state that appeal to varied palates.
The cheesiest Indian desserts on offer
One of India’s favourite sweet treats, rasmalai, was chosen as the second-best cheese-based dessert in the world. Here are more such sweet dishes from India that lean in on our cheese-making traditions.
5 folk theatre forms that are a must-watch
India is home to several folk theatre forms, some hundreds of years old. This World Theatre Day, we do a round-up of five popular folk theatre forms that live on in the distant corners of the country.
Splashes of joy – Exploring the magic of Holi
Join us on a journey through different shades of Holi, where every snapshot tells a vibrant tale about color, camaraderie and pure joy.
‘We need to communicate what safe water means’
Several regions across India face acute shortage of safe drinking water. We speak to Amar Prakash, state programme director for WaterAid in Madhya Pradesh, about their interventions, challenges and success stories.
Birds worth – One for sparrow
Once a familiar sight at our houses, sparrows are now rarely seen in our neighbourhoods. This World Sparrow Day, we present a silver living – photographs of these tiny birds clicked at various locations in India.
Indian rivers in peril, and their saviours
This International Day of Action for Rivers, which is observed on 14 March, we revisit the stories done on Village Square to bring attention to the rivers facing risks, and what’s being done to conserve them.
Handloom and hues of success in Maheshwar
This school at Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh helps aspiring master weavers polish their skills and gain cutting-edge know-how on the practices essential to succeeding in the handloom sector.
From acid attacks to STEM, these NGOs are working on issues concerning women and girls across India
Health, education, livelihood, gender crime…. When it comes to the issues faced by women and girls, the list can be long. Here are some development organisations working towards making the country a better place for them.
How these rural women shatter stereotypes
Women, who once played traditional gender roles, are now working to uplift not just their own lives but also those of their communities. This International Women’s Day, we revisit inspiring rural women featured on Village Square.