Kolkata, Sep 18: The festive season in Kolkata began on a glamorous note as DEVI – Pre-Puja Exhibition & Diwali Collection, an all-women-led lifestyle showcase by the Kolkata Women’s Business Alliance, an initiative of Gouri’s Foundation, opened its doors at Laketown, Shreebhumi. The three-day exhibition, bringing together fashion, jewellery, beauty, food and lifestyle under one vibrant roof, is also creating a distinctive platform for women-led businesses.
The exhibition was inaugurated in the esteemed presence of 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 opening day set the tone for three days of festive shopping and celebration, with 70 exclusive stalls featuring offerings from around 50 women entrepreneurs and exhibitors, presenting an eclectic selection of products and experiences for visitors preparing for Puja and Diwali.
From timeless sarees and contemporary fashion to statement jewellery and beauty offerings, DEVI is presenting an array of festive choices designed to complement the season’s celebratory spirit. Jewellery enthusiasts can explore collections from brands including Panna Diamond and P. Sircar Johuree, while food lovers can indulge in offerings from Aminia Biryani along with other culinary attractions.
Beyond shopping, DEVI is adding a lively entertainment quotient through flash deals, lucky draws and special surprises. The showcase also features Sharad Sundari, a glamorous beauty contest celebrating individual style, confidence and charm, with categories including Best Face and Best Smile.
The exhibition also carries a meaningful social dimension through its association with Gouris Foundation’s upcoming project, PARIDHAN. Visitors are being encouraged to donate clothes they no longer need, giving pre-loved garments a renewed purpose and helping extend warmth and support to those in need. The initiative brings the spirit of giving into the heart of the festive shopping experience.
Conceived as more than a conventional exhibition, DEVI reflects KWBA’s larger vision of creating visibility and meaningful opportunities for women entrepreneurs and professionals. The platform brings together emerging and established women-led enterprises, enabling them to showcase their products, connect with new customers and explore avenues for business growth during the festive season. It also encourages visitors to discover the creativity, quality and entrepreneurial potential of non-branded and emerging businesses, highlighting the diverse talent within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Speaking on the occasion, Soma Chakraborty, President, Gouris Foundation and Kolkata Women’s Business Alliance, said,
“DEVI was envisioned as a celebration of women-led enterprise, creativity and the vibrant spirit of the festive season. We expect this one-of-a-kind platform to bring together an exciting mix of fashion, lifestyle, food and entertainment, while the association with PARIDHAN adds a meaningful purpose to the experience. We look forward to welcoming visitors over all three days as DEVI continues to celebrate women, businesses and the joy of giving. We expect it to become bigger and better in the coming years.”