The festive season in Kolkata kicked off with glamour as DEVI- Pre-Puja Exhibition & Diwali Collection, a lifestyle showcase led entirely by women and organized by the Kolkata Women’s Business Alliance (KWBA), an initiative of Gouri’s Foundation, unveiled its displays at Laketown, Shreebhumi. The three-day exhibition united fashion, jewellery, beauty, food, and lifestyle under one lively space, while also offering a unique stage for women-led enterprises.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Tarunjyoti Tewari, MLA, Rajarhat Gopalpur, West Bengal; Keya Ghosh, prominent politician and spokesperson for BJP, West Bengal; and Soma Chakraborty, President, Gouri’s Foundation and Kolkata Women’s Business Alliance.

The first day established the festive atmosphere for three days of shopping and celebration, showcasing 70 exclusive stalls with goods and experiences from about 50 women entrepreneurs and exhibitors, offering a diverse array of items tailored for visitors gearing up for Puja and Diwali.

DEVI showcased a diverse selection of festive options from classic sarees and modern attire to bold jewelry and beauty products crafted to enhance the joyous mood of the season. Jewellery lovers browsed collections from brands like Panna Diamond and P. Sircar Johuree, while food aficionados enjoyed dishes from Aminia Biryani and other culinary delights.

In addition to shopping, DEVI injected excitement with flash deals, lucky draws, and surprises. The showcase also included Sharad Sundari, a glamorous beauty contest that celebrated individual style, confidence, and charm, with categories such as Best Face and Best Smile.

The exhibition also had a meaningful social aspect due to its connection with Gouris Foundation’s upcoming project, PARIDHAN. Visitors were urged to donate unused clothing, allowing gently worn items to find new life and helping provide warmth and support to those in need. The initiative infused the spirit of giving at the core of the festive shopping experience.

Designed to go beyond a typical exhibition, DEVI embodied KWBA’s broader goal of enhancing visibility and providing substantive opportunities for women entrepreneurs and professionals. The platform united both emerging and established women-led businesses, allowing them to display their products, link with new customers, and discover opportunities for business expansion during the festive season. It also urged visitors to explore the creativity, quality, and entrepreneurial potential of non-branded and emerging businesses, showcasing the wide range of talent in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Priyanka Dutta