Odissi dancer Dona Ganguly and her troupe, Diksha Manjari, celebrated an artistic presentation of the legend of ‘Mahishasur Mardini’ at a full-house show at Rabindra Sadan on September 22 evening
All photographs by Amit DattaThis captivating event depicted goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasur, symbolising the eternal triumph of good over evil and the enduring strength of the feminine spirit
Ganguly led her troupe members in a visually breathtaking retelling of Durga’s epic battle with Mahishasur. Through grace, rhythm, and profound emotion, the performance transported the audience into the heart of this timeless myth
Adding a unique dimension to the event, artiste Ketan Sengupta delivered a live recital of Mahalaya, the revered invocation of Durga. His captivating voice and powerful storytelling immersed the audience in the spiritual essence of Durga Puja
One after another, the performances captured the goddess’s strength and compassion, setting the perfect tone for celebration of Nari Shakti (women’s empowerment)
Famed for her mastery and deep passion for traditional Indian dance, Dona portrayed the story of Mahishasur Mardini that remains a powerful testament to the strength, resilience and compassion of women
The audience, from seven to 70-years-old, sat mesmerised throughout the 75-minute programme
Durga, born from the combined energies of the gods to vanquish Mahishasur, stands as the ultimate representation of divine feminine power
Durga Puja has evolved from a religious festival into a cultural celebration that honours the pivotal role of women in shaping and nurturing society
This grand celebration not only honoured the mythological tale but also highlighted the universal message of female empowerment. Seen in the picture are the troupe members taking a final bow in front of the Rabindra Sadan audience