Arts & Culture
For centuries, India has absorbed many cultural influences. From the Mongols to McDonalds, India has adopted and incorporated external culture into its own social fabric. Yet today, globalization is having a profound impact on India. Many of India’s famed artisans are being expelled from their workspaces by development projects. And as with cultures around the globe, much of India–young and old–is turning away from traditional culture in the face of global products. In this section, India Unheard community correspondents report on arts and culture.
Caught between the lines
Bastar is one of the districts worst affected by the current naxal conflict in the state of Chattisgarh. There has been no development for the tribals from Abujhmad region. Their traditional handicrafts business is also diminishing. With Abujhmad’s sources of livelihood curtailing, 25 such families have already migrated to Silpi village....
A Tribal Affair – Jhara community demands ST status
The Jhara community of Chhattisgarh is in all aspects a tribal community. Their art also exemplifies that of the Bastar tribals. The Jhara community makes beautiful art sculptures primarily out of molten metal. Their art has been recognized by the government of India and continues to feature in government exhibitions...
Save Niyamgiri: Voices from Ground Zero
India’s current obsession with economic development based on extractive mining projects is spelling doom for its indigenous communities. Their rights to land, livelihoods and self-expression, guaranteed by the constitution, are often violated to get such projects going. Ahead of the International day for Indigenous People, we bring you voices of...
Are traditions still relevant?
Community Correspondent Shambhuraj Tanwar brings this interesting take from Rajasthan – India, on the animal sacrifice tradition during the Navratri festival. In Hinduism, Navratri is considered to be one of the biggest festivals. All communities celebrate Navratri with lot of enthusiasm and zeal. It is celebrated over a period of...
Repair the Dead: Cemetery & Sentiments
We want the customs and cultural heritage of our ancestors to be preserved. This is the plea from the Muslim community of Delwara village regarding their kabrasthan (cemetery), which is in a bad state of repair. Call to Action: Appeal to the local village council to help the Muslim...
Enjoy the unique Mahashivratri festival
“Thus, you can find different types of diversity in India, while it still remains one democratic country.” VV-Correspondent Sajid Khan records the unique festival of Mahashivaratri festival from Junagarh district fair, Bhavnagar district, Gujarat. The Mahashivaratri tradition has been going on for thousands of years. At this festival...
Pottery a dying art
Our VV Correspondent Shambulal Khattik reports from Delwara,Nathdwara district, Rajasthan where despite the pottery community making pottery for past few centuries it’s an art that is dying. The unique skills and abilities are being lost to the young generation who are being attracted to higher paid professions. Call to...
Tribute To The Ascetic
In an age where conflict and war seem to be the most obvious of solutions to most problems, hundreds of villagers from Redhakol Block, in Odisha’s Sambalpur district are leading the way to celebrate peace & unity. Here is a video by Mamata Patra documenting the culture of celebrating. ...