FLO & YFLO Kolkata hosted its Bazaar exhibition, a vibrant celebration of entrepreneurship, craftsmanship, and community empowerment, held at Taj Bengal, Kolkata. The grand affair was formally inaugurated by an esteemed panel of guests, including the German Consul General, Barbara Voss, Ms. Smita Roy Choudhury (Chief Editor, t2), and Ms. Priyadarshini Hakim, daughter of the Hon’ble Mayor. Their presence lent significant prestige to the event and served as a great source of encouragement for all participants.
The bazaar featured a diverse and exquisite collection of jewellery, apparel, and handicrafts. In line with FLO’s core mission to foster female entrepreneurship, preference was given to members, providing them with a prime opportunity to connect with a wider audience. The event also proudly included participation from several esteemed NGOs of Kolkata, reinforcing a commitment to community collaboration.
A special highlight of the event was the FLO Initiative Corner, a dedicated space that celebrated the rich artisanal heritage of Bengal. This corner featured handcrafted products sourced directly from local artisans in Shantiniketan, including:
- Elegant table napkins made from traditional cotton gamcha.
- Intricate metal and delicate shola flowers.
- Earthy, rustic clay plates and bowls.
- Beautiful crochet products skillfully made by women from the slums of Kolkata.
Further celebrating the region’s cultural fabric, the bazaar featured a special showcase dedicated to Kantha, the iconic embroidery craft of Bengal, which drew significant appreciation from attendees. The event served as a dynamic platform for 105 exhibitors to showcase their products to an enthusiastic crowd of over 5000 visitors.
Overall, the FLO-YFLO Kolkata Bazaar was a tremendous success, effectively bridging the gap between urban consumers and local producers. It was more than just a marketplace; it was a powerful testament to FICCI FLO’s dedication to promoting women entrepreneurs and preserving the invaluable traditional crafts of Kolkata.