Imagine a global party where every region brings its best dish, dance, or proverb. That’s the ethos behind the UN’s World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, celebrated annually on May 21st.
The day prompts us to “Do One Thing for Diversity.” It could be sampling a folk tune, sharing a family recipe, or striking up a cross-cultural chat. The aim is simple: by celebrating intercultural dialogue, we strengthen social cohesion, foster peace, and spark sustainable development initiatives that honour local narratives.
Village Square turns the day into dialogue
Since our launch under the Transform Rural India Foundation in 2016, Village Square has treated storytelling and events as two-way streets.
Consider our Rural Renaissance Fest held in Delhi which served as a platform for Delhi University’s students performing Kargattam, a folk dance from Tamil Nadu; a trio of inmates-turned-music artists from the Udaipur jail; and Ladakh’s folk-rock Dashdug bands. The event sparked conversations about art, justice, and identity.
Later in 2024, Chitrashaala, our short-film festival, veterans such as Adil Hussain and Muzaffar Ali immersed themselves in some thought-provoking conversations with emerging filmmakers from Odisha, Jharkhand, and beyond. And our three editions of photo competitions have captured everything from harvest rituals in Vidarbha to midday meals in rural Karnataka, turning the camera into a bridge between urban and rural communities.
The may-die-soon crafts we are championing
Reviving rural crafts is perhaps the most tangible way to honour cultural diversity. In Manipur’s Imphal Valley, M. Romita Devi and her neighbours transform the invasive kauna grass into elegant baskets and floor mats, turning a weed into women’s livelihoods.
In Bankura, West Bengal, the Dokra-metal artisans of Bikna revived an eight-century-old brass-casting technique. It found a spotlight at Village Square pop-ups that drew urban designers keen to collaborate.
In the neighbouring state of Odisha, artisans in Ganjam craft traditional masks for Danda Nacha dancers and also whimsical dolls for children using cow dung, proving that eco-friendly ingenuity can be both traditional and innovative. In Odisha itself, just 14 km from Puri, Raghurajpur’s Pattachitra painters cover walls and palm-leaf scrolls with epic tales of Lord Jagannath, their vivid pigments reminding us how myth and craftsmanship intertwine.
In Gujarat’s Nirona village, Kutch’s Khatri family still practices Rogan painting. They swirl castor-oil lacquer into floral patterns passed down for eight generations. And in Bihar’s Pattharkatti, black-granite stone carvers carry a 500-year legacy, chiseling temple idols that stand as living testaments to faith and skill.
By narrating these stories on our platform, we’re not only preserving techniques—we’re igniting orders, sparking partnerships, and inspiring young people to reclaim their heritage.
How we make dialogue and development fun
At Village Square, dialogue is never dull. Picture yourself sipping masala chai under a Peepal tree while a master weaver demonstrates Ikat dyeing. A few days later, you’re streaming folk-fusion jams recorded live at our Youth Hub workshops, where village bands layer traditional beats with electronic loops.
Our virtual Chitrashaala screenings have featured shorts on everything from Moradabad’s brassware to Chhattisgarh’s village love stories—always capped by candid chats with filmmakers about their rural roots and future dreams. These aren’t lectures—they’re living rooms full of laughter, questions, and creative spark.
How you can join the celebration
This May 21, mark your calendar and dive in.
Explore our latest stories and pick a craft you’ve never encountered before.
RSVP for an upcoming webinar or panel discussion- hear directly from artisans, filmmakers, and changemakers shaping rural India’s future.
Share your favourite Village Square feature with friends and family, and spark your own conversations about cultural diversity.
Whether you’re an urban explorer or a village storyteller, this day is for you . It is a reminder that every song, stitch, and sculpted stone enriches our shared journey. Culture isn’t static. It’s a continuous dialogue and at Village Square, we’re all ears.
The lead image on top shows the rural renaissance music showcase at Dilli Haat.
