They say when women gather to support each other, something quiet yet extraordinary takes root. I’ve been lucky enough to witness this extraordinary magic—stories written not only on palm leaves but in the calloused, hopeful hands of artisans in Odisha’s…
Under the golden haze at dawn, temple bells toll as if to wake up the world, a six-year-old boy stood transfixed as his sisters twirled like monsoon leaves in the courtyard, their anklets chiming as their father’s voice rose in…
The Tumba craft of Odisha is a remarkable example of how traditional art forms can be revitalized and transformed into sustainable livelihoods. Himanshu Shekhar Pandia, a visionary artist and master craftsman, has been instrumental in this transformation. For over 17…
Odisha’s landscape is typically characterized by dense forests and verdant paddy fields. However, our final destination on the Keonjhar tour, the enchanting Sitabinji, offered a stark contrast. As we approached, the terrain transitioned dramatically to a rugged landscape of massive…
During a recent sojourn, I had the serendipitous opportunity to partake in a home-cooked repast within a rural Indian hamlet. My gracious host, Sukanti Mahanta, is a renowned agricultural champion for her village. Prior to our visit, I had the…
As the welcome dance (in our honour) concluded, a lissome woman, bearing a jackfruit larger than her head, rolled towards our seated group. “A gift from the entire village!” she exclaimed, thrusting the fruit into my lap. While my father-in-law…
As I stood before the Maa Kichakeswari Temple, Khiching bathed in the brightness of the midday sun, I felt a profound connection to the centuries-old artistry that had shaped this magnificent structure. The intricate carvings, inscribed into the single chlorite…
The monsoon-drenched villages of Odisha, bursting with life, offer an enchanting spectacle for travelers willing to endure certain discomforts. Among the myriad sights, the age-old ritual of rice sowing, primarily undertaken by the hardworking women of the land, holds a…
Ragi, a traditional Indian millet, has recently caught the imagination of metro dwellers and skyrocketed in popularity. Its impressive nutritional profile, gluten-free nature, and low glycemic index make it a perfect substitute for health-conscious consumers. My personal journey with Ragi…
Threads of Tradition, Knots of Sustainability Our journey to explore Odisha’s fading arts led us to the Mankidia tribal village near Keonjhar. Alighting from our car the village seemed deserted but a young woman greeted us warmly and explained everyone…
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