Photo Essays
Ice hockey – a popular winter sport playing out in Ladakh
Odisha isn’t the only place in India swept by hockey fever. Leh in Ladakh – more than 2,500 km away from Bhubaneswar that is hosting the World Hockey Championship – is caught up in a similar frenzy, with a slight twist though. It’s ice hockey that is keeping the Ladakhis engaged and entertained. Ice hockey – an annual affair in January when temperatures plummet and ponds freeze – is a source of immense pride to the Ladakhis.
In pictures: Coffee cultivation at an unlikely place
Most of us have heard of the delicious coffee beans from Araku in Andhra Pradesh, Coorg in Karnataka and Wayanad in Kerala, but do you know about the aromatic coffee being produced in the tribal regions of Bastar in Chhattisgarh?
In pics: ‘Jesus da langar’ at a Punjab village
At a village in Amritsar, Punjab, Christmas day means appetizing meals, selfless service, dancing and a lot of fun. This unique Christmas celebration represents the true multicultural India, where everyone comes together regardless of their religion, caste and class to celebrate festivals.
Photo essay: The seasonal fishermen of Nanakmatta
The life of a seasonal fisherman camped at Uttarakhand's Nanaksagar Dam is hard – from living in makeshift huts that get battered by the wind to battling mosquitoes. But with thy challenges come some rewards.
City of light celebrates Dev Deepawali
Dev Deepawali is a visual spectacle of millions of diyas or earthen lamps lighting the ghats of Banaras (Varanasi), celebrated on the first full moon night of Kartik Purnima. After two years of lockdown, the streets of Benaras were filled with devotees and tourists to celebrate the day that marks the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon trio Tripurasura.
PHOTO ESSAY: Phatxingu – Kargil’s apricot “miracle drink”
Phatxingu, a drink in Ladakh’s Kargil region made from dried apricots, is unbelievably popular among all age groups. In the photo essay, I delve into some of the reasons for its raging popularity.
Scenic Bastar’s instagrammable art cafe
Situated in Jagdalpur, Bastar, this art cafe is famous for its delicious regional cuisine such as chillla (made of rice), tribal wall-art, and gorgeous sunset visible from its terrace.
September-Photo of the month
We are back with the magical photos that give us a glimpse into villages of India. With the quantity and quality of pictures skyrocketing, here are our picks for Photo of the Month - September.
August-Photo of the Month
For the August edition of Photo of the Month we received over 170 stunning pictures from across India. These photos give us a stunning glimpse into rural India's diverse chores and recreational activities. Here are the amazing shortlisted photos for Photo of the Month - August.
International Friendship Day – Bridging the gap of language
What is friendship? Can it be only between humans? On International Friendship Day – the theme this year being bridging the gap between race, language and culture – we showcase the unique bond between humans and animals which is a true example of a reciprocated relation called friendship. These pictures show friendship as a different language between humans and animals.
July – Photo of the Month
We continue to get more beautiful, jaw-dropping pictures of rural India, courtesy our remarkable photo community. Have a look at these amazing shortlisted photos for Photo of the Month - July.
The flower power behind Holi
For centuries the coloured powder used during the spring festival Holi, nevermind political rallies and countless parties, was made from natural vegetation. Until chemical colours entered the scene. But as a growing number of Indians realise natural holi powder is kinder on the skin and the environment, the women who turn the flowers into powder are reaping the rewards. (Photos by Gurvinder Singh)
A peek into rural India’s plastic waste
Government of India’s strict ban on the use of ‘single-use plastic’ comes into effect on 1 July, 2022. The notification permits jail term of up to five years, or a penalty of up to Rs 1 lakh, or both, for violators. As this ban is imposed, we asked our growing photo community to show us how plastic waste affects rural India. The photos show the prevalence of plastic waste and the toxic ways in which it affects everyone - humans and animals alike - in the rural ecosystem.
Our heroes – celebrating fatherhood
What does it mean to be a father? The head of the family or part of the parenting team? A loving tutor in life? One who guides but allows mistakes? A playmate at times, a strict paternal figure at others? An inspiration and role model? As Father’s Day approaches Village Square celebrates fatherhood and the many roles of being a dad or granddad in rural India.
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.
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.
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.
May – Photo of the Month
Our growing community of photographers is continuing to leave our jaws dropped with their stills. What’s particularly heartening is that we are receiving entries from every corner of India. Here are some of the fascinating photos from our Photo of the Month (May 2022) series.
How rural India toils – a glimpse
Rural India does not work 9-5. Villagers do not sit in cubicles tied to their gadgets. For this year’s May Day, otherwise known as Labour Day or International Workers’ Day , we give you a glimpse into how the working class in rural India toils. Thanks to our growing community of photographers across India, we bring you the colorful shades of labour on and off the field.
April – Photo of the Month
We remain stunned by the quality and vitality our readers and supporters have when it comes to capturing rural India on camera. Have a look at the stunning snaps sent to us for our Photo of the Month series.