Bengaluru: A vibrant celebration of culture, womanhood and women’s empowerment brought together dance, creativity and a powerful social message at a cultural programme organised by Payel Sengupta. The event featured classical dance performances, an evocative fashion show inspired by Goddess Durga and interactive activities that encouraged audience participation.
The programme highlighted the strength of women, their role in nurturing families and society, and the importance of standing up against injustice. Through a combination of traditional art forms and contemporary expression, the event sought to encourage women to recognise their potential and assert their rights.
Classical dance performances celebrate Indian culture
The evening opened with a fusion dance performance combining Odissi and Bengali dance traditions by Nandita Bhattacharya. The presentation brought together elements of classical Indian dance and Bengali cultural expression, offering the audience an engaging artistic experience.
This was followed by a Kathak group dance presented by students of Baneeta Ghosh. The performance showcased the students’ artistic skills and highlighted the importance of passing traditional dance forms on to younger generations.
Dance played a central role in the programme, connecting cultural heritage with the event’s wider message of empowerment. The performances also demonstrated how classical and regional art forms can provide a platform for creativity, community participation and social awareness.
Fashion show presents a modern-day Maa Durga
The main attraction of the programme was a thought-provoking fashion show in which women portrayed a modern-day Maa Durga, holding a child in one hand and a gun in the other.
The striking presentation symbolised the dual responsibilities of nurturing the next generation and standing firm against injustice. Drawing inspiration from Goddess Durga, the concept portrayed women as caregivers as well as individuals capable of confronting challenges and protecting themselves and others.
The imagery offered a contemporary interpretation of feminine strength. While the child represented care, responsibility and the future, the weapon symbolised resistance against injustice and the determination to defend one’s rights.
The presentation encouraged the audience to reflect on women’s safety, dignity and the need to create an environment in which women can live without fear.
Organiser Payel Sengupta highlights women’s safety
Event organiser Payel Sengupta delivered a strong message about women’s empowerment through the presentation. She drew attention to the continuing challenges surrounding women’s safety and dignity, questioning whether the objectives associated with the national campaign slogan “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” were being adequately reflected in society.
Her message emphasised that awareness and education must be accompanied by meaningful efforts to protect women’s rights and ensure their safety. She called on women to recognise their inner strength, develop confidence and become prepared to face the challenges that confront them.
The presentation conveyed the idea that women should not be viewed solely through the traditional roles of motherhood and caregiving. They are also individuals with the ability to make decisions, defend their rights and contribute to social change.
The modern-day Maa Durga concept reinforced this message by presenting a woman who embodies compassion and courage simultaneously.
A celebration of talent, tradition and empowerment
Beyond the dance performances and fashion show, the programme included interactive activities that encouraged audience participation and added to the lively atmosphere.
The activities helped make the gathering more than a conventional cultural event, creating opportunities for engagement and shared enjoyment. Participants could experience a programme that combined artistic expression with a message about the importance of women’s dignity and independence.
The event also demonstrated how cultural platforms can be used to discuss social issues in an accessible and creative manner. By drawing on the symbolism of Maa Durga, the organisers connected a familiar cultural figure with contemporary conversations about women’s rights and personal agency.
The performances by Nandita Bhattacharya and the students of Baneeta Ghosh further contributed to the programme’s emphasis on artistic talent and the preservation of Indian cultural traditions.
Empowerment through awareness and action
The central message of the event was that women can be both nurturers and protectors, drawing strength from their abilities, experiences and determination. The symbolism of Maa Durga offered a framework for discussing courage, resilience and the need to challenge injustice.
While cultural programmes alone cannot resolve the wider challenges facing women, they can create opportunities to raise awareness, encourage dialogue and inspire communities to reflect on their responsibilities.
The event concluded as a celebration of culture, creativity and womanhood, with a call for women to recognise their potential and stand up for their rights. Its message was clear: women’s empowerment requires not only respect and recognition but also the confidence, support and freedom necessary for women to shape their own futures.