The Story of Sacred Groves: India’s Natural Biodiversity Temples
Hidden in the forests, hills and rural areas of India are sacred groves – remnants of nature that exist because they were not disturb, not because laws protected them, but…
The Hidden Democracies of India: Villages That Wrote Their Own Constitutions
Across India’s immense and diverse geography, democracy exists not only in the grand halls of parliament, but it also rests firmly in the small corners of village life, which is…
Little-Known Indian Wedding Rituals from Different States where Ancient Science Meets Sacred Emotion
Weddings in India are more than just a celebration of love; they are an intricate mesh of emotions, culture, and science contained in rituals that span centuries. Beneath the larger…
The Vanishing Art of Indian Puppetry Traditions
India has a rich narrative legacy spanning dance, song, poetry, and performance. One of the most captivating but increasingly faint traditions is puppetry, or Kathputli Kala, which enchanted entire villages…
Forgotten Indian Martial Arts Like Silambam, Thang-Ta & Gatka
India’s martial traditions have origins as ancient as civilization itself. Long before boxing rings and MMA cages, the Indian subcontinent had its own complex systems of fighting, replete with discipline,…
Unknown Indian Festivals That Are More Vibrant Than Diwali & Holi
When we think of great Indian festivals, we tend to think of Diwali and Holi immediately, their light, color, and final exhilaration have become the essence of Indian “culture”. But…
The Lost Cities of India: Uncovering Ancient Civilizations Beyond Harappa & Mohenjo-Daro
While ancient Indian history, Harappa, and Mohenjo-Daro, the two great sites of the Indus Valley Civilization that revolutionized our understanding of urban life more than 4,000 years ago, often come…
Traditional Artisans Producing for Global Markets: Handloom, Pottery, and Indigenous Crafts
For centuries, Indian and world traditional artisans have been custodians of legacy, skills, and creativity. In their hand-created products whether they are woven or carved or painted we discover accumulated…
India’s Community Kitchens: Small Towns Unite against Hunger
Across India, rural towns and villages are finding innovative ways to address hunger and ensure no one goes to sleep hungry. While hunger has been a longtime presence in developing…
The Contribution of Local Institutions to Disaster Resilience – Experiences of India’s Village Sarpanch Leaders
Disasters, natural or otherwise, leave indelible marks on society. In India, which is prone to floods, cyclones, drought, and earthquakes, resilience does not solely stem from large-scale government design or…