Kolkata, September 18, 2026: Kolkata’s festive season opened on a glamorous note with the launch of DEVI – Pre-Puja Exhibition & Diwali Collection, a three-day lifestyle showcase organised by the Kolkata Women’s Business Alliance (KWBA), an initiative of Gouri’s Foundation.
Held at Laketown, Shreebhumi, the exhibition brings together fashion, jewellery, beauty, food and lifestyle under one roof, while providing a dedicated platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses and connect with customers.
The exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of Tarunjyoti Tewari, MLA, Rajarhat Gopalpur; Keya Ghosh, BJP West Bengal spokesperson and prominent political leader; and Soma Chakraborty, President of Gouri’s Foundation and Kolkata Women’s Business Alliance.
Featuring 70 exclusive stalls from around 50 women entrepreneurs and exhibitors, DEVI offers visitors a diverse festive shopping experience ahead of Puja and Diwali. The showcase includes traditional sarees, contemporary fashion, statement jewellery, beauty products, lifestyle offerings and a range of festive specialities.
Jewellery brands including Panna Diamond and P. Sircar Johuree are among the attractions, while food enthusiasts can explore offerings from Aminia Biryani and other culinary participants.
Adding to the festive atmosphere are flash deals, lucky draws and special surprises. The exhibition also features ‘Sharad Sundari’, a beauty contest celebrating confidence, individual style and personality, with categories such as Best Face and Best Smile.
Beyond shopping and entertainment, DEVI also carries a strong social message through its association with Gouris Foundation’s upcoming PARIDHAN project. Visitors are being encouraged to donate clothes they no longer need, allowing pre-loved garments to be given a renewed purpose and reach people in need.
The initiative reflects KWBA’s broader vision of creating greater visibility and business opportunities for women entrepreneurs and professionals. By bringing emerging as well as established women-led enterprises together, DEVI aims to help participants showcase their products, reach new customers and explore opportunities for business growth.
Speaking on the occasion, Soma Chakraborty, President, Gouri’s Foundation and Kolkata Women’s Business Alliance, said that DEVI was envisioned as a celebration of women-led enterprise, creativity and the festive spirit. She highlighted the combination of fashion, lifestyle, food and entertainment, along with the social purpose attached to PARIDHAN.
She further expressed hope that DEVI would continue to grow in scale and impact in the coming years, creating an even larger platform for women, businesses and the spirit of giving.
Video: The exhibition highlights and event visuals are available through the shared media folder.
