The grim reality of gender-based atrocities pervades every corner of our world, evincing in abhorrent forms such as sexual violence, dowry deaths, domestic violence, female foeticide and infanticide, female genital mutilation, child marriage and the suppression of women’s autonomy in education, speech and attire.
Women have proved themselves as superb multi-taskers and have excelled in work-home balance unlike their male compatriots.
When a story becomes an identity
Producer Prerna Arora celebrates womanhood
Exploring and reflecting on what it means to be a woman, Olympe Ramakrishna greets viewers on International Women's Day, with an exhibition depicting the theme of feminine identity in urban India.
This year marks the 232nd birth anniversary of the social reformer and philanthropist, the founder of Dakshineswar temple, Rani Rashmoni of Janabazar. On this occasion the 210 years old Indian Museum, Kolkata, inaugurated a portrait of Rani Rashmoni in the Painting Gallery on 1 October this year.
In honour of Maa Durga, who resides within each woman and celebrates her days with us, we bring forth the story of Bijoli Murmu, a self-taught toto-driver from an indigenous community of Salboni in Midnapore.
Mahalaya, also known as Sarva Pitri Amavasya (forefathers in heaven), was observed on 2 October this year and marked the end of Pitri Paksha—recalling the ancestors. This is a religiously significant day for Hindu devotees, particularly Bengalis, who, at the crack of dawn with devotional or Shroddha offerings, pray for their souls in the afterlife.
This story about Shyamal Dhan Dutta Durga Puja started in the year 1880. The puja is done with every tradition their ancestors provided them with. Devotion and respect are what separate this particular puja apart from others.
It was in 1998 that a group of women decided to organise an all-women-led Durga puja that would celebrate ‘Nari shakti’ and challenge the gender norms, thus leading from the front with their capabilities, an initiative that had garnered much zeal from several neighbourhood homes
