MAHISASURA MARDINI| FCI INTER ZONAL CULTURAL COMPETITION 2026-27 EAST ZONE

For Bengalis across the globe, Durga Puja is far more than a socio-religious festival—it is an intensely emotional family homecoming. Goddess Durga is worshipped not merely as an awe-inspiring, ten-armed warrior goddess vanquishing evil, but lovingly embraced as *Uma, the cherished daughter returning to her paternal home (*paitrik griha) for her annual four-day visit. In Bengali households, she is showered with the affection, care, and adoration reserved for a beloved daughter, bringing warmth, nostalgia, and festive cheer before her departure back to Mount Kailash. Amidst a changing world where many dare to question the spirituality and religious practices how Bangalis celebrate their Durga Puja, Kolkata's Durga Puja stands as an extraordinary celebration of artistic grandeur, community spirit, and cultural heritage. Proving its timeless grandeur, Kolkata's Durga Puja was officially inscribed on *UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity*—a global recognition of its unique fusion of sacred rituals, art installations, and social harmony. Through classical and folk movement, powerful rhythm, and expressive storytelling, our performance portrays the iconic battle of Mahishasuramardini—the triumph of divine feminine energy over darkness, celebrating both the fierce protector of the universe and the gentle daughter of the soil. MAHISASURA MARDINI Choreography : Banani Bose Performed by : Swastik Sarkar, Bidisha Das, Tanima Sarkar, Shilpa Samaddar, Shilpa Majumdar, Aika Swati and Abhijit Das