Kolkata: The festive shopping season has begun in Kolkata with the opening of DEVI – Pre-Puja Exhibition & Diwali Collection at Shreebhumi, Laketown. Organised by the Kolkata Women’s Business Alliance (KWBA), an initiative of Gouri’s Foundation, the three-day exhibition brings together fashion, jewellery, beauty, food and lifestyle products from women-led businesses.
The exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of Rajarhat Gopalpur MLA Tarunjyoti Tewari, BJP West Bengal spokesperson Keya Ghosh and Soma Chakraborty, President of Gouri’s Foundation and KWBA.
Around 70 stalls, featuring nearly 50 women entrepreneurs and exhibitors, are part of the showcase. Visitors can explore festive sarees, contemporary fashion, jewellery, beauty products and food ahead of Durga Puja and Diwali.
Jewellery brands such as Panna Diamond and P. Sircar Johuree are among the exhibitors, while food options include Aminia Biryani and other culinary offerings.
Apart from shopping, the exhibition has also lined up flash deals, lucky draws and other entertainment activities. A beauty contest titled Sharad Sundari is another attraction, with categories including Best Face and Best Smile.
The event also has a social initiative attached to it. Under PARIDHAN, visitors can donate clothes they no longer use. The collected garments will be given a renewed purpose as part of the foundation’s effort to support people in need.
According to the organisers, DEVI is also aimed at giving emerging and established women entrepreneurs a platform to reach customers and showcase their businesses during the festive season.
Speaking at the event, Soma Chakraborty said the initiative was conceived around women-led enterprise, creativity and the festive spirit. She also said the organisers hope to expand the exhibition in the coming years.
The exhibition will remain open for three days at Shreebhumi, Laketown, with shopping, food and entertainment activities forming the main attractions.
