Reviving tattoos: An integral way of life for ages – Manipur

Tattooing the face, maybe a style fad today, but for certain tribal and indigenous people in the far North East of the country, such tattoos have been a integral way of life for ages. And now, a 27-year-old Naga youth from Manipur is working to revive and give a new form to the traditional tattooing … Read more

Ancestors, social values and clan practices: Cultural identity transmitted through the weaves of the North-East – Seven Sister States

Folklore, myths and handloom Hidden within the colour, weave and design of tribal textiles are many legends If you were to look beyond the visible landscape of a weave, you would find myriad stories hidden in the colours and designs—tales about human creation, magical deities and kindred forest spirits. These patterns offer tangible evidence of legends … Read more

Tribal culture in Jharkhand – Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre

Carved out of Bihar in 2000, many treasures of the relatively new state of Jharkhand situated in the Chota Nagpur Plateau is still less known to most people. Nature wears her best clothes in this state. Many rivers like the Damodar, Brahmani, Kharkai and the Subarnarekha, flow gently adding to the natural charm of Jharkhand. … Read more

Exceptionally beautiful performance by Bastar music and dance band – Chhattisgarh

Lively: Bastar Band from Chhattisgarh | Video >> Bastar Band, a music and dance band from Bastar, Chhattisgarh, which was formed two years back aims at taking different tribal dance forms and music to the doorsteps of the urban folk. The band is touring different parts of the country in an attempt to showcase the beauty … Read more

Bhasha Van (“forest of languages”) – the importance of the mother tongue in education

The forest of languages and hopeAntara Dev Sen | Wednesday, March 10, 2010 I have just planted a sapling with nice long leaves. […]. As they all grow up, they will make up the Bhasha Van — the forest of languages. All 320 of them, with each tree representing an Indian language. Together, they would … Read more