The vibrant city of Kolkata witnessed a remarkable celebration of diversity and inclusion as the Rongdhonu Mela, a pride fair, unfolded with great enthusiasm on Sunday, November 23. This significant event brought together 42 diverse stalls, creating a platform that extended far beyond entertainment to become a beacon of social empowerment and economic opportunity.
A Melting Pot of Talent and Stories
What made this year's fair particularly special was its pan-Indian participation. While the event was rooted in Kolkata, it attracted contributors from various regions, including unexpected participation from as far as Bengaluru. This inter-state collaboration highlighted the growing national consciousness toward LGBTQ+ rights and women's empowerment.
The fair served as a crucial economic platform for marginalized communities, with 42 carefully curated stalls offering everything from handmade crafts to traditional food items. Each stall represented not just products, but powerful personal journeys and struggles for economic independence.
Women's Empowerment Takes Center Stage
One of the most heartening aspects of the Rongdhonu Mela was its focused effort to support women from various backgrounds. A particularly moving example was the stall operated by tea-garden workers from Darjeeling, which featured widowed Sabita Chhetri among its participants.
Sabita Chhetri, a widow determined to secure her children's future, was selling homemade pickles and momos at the fair. Her participation represented more than just commercial activity—it was a testament to maternal resilience as she works to put her two children through college against all odds.
The fair also showcased talents like Animita from Chandannagar, who demonstrated her crocheting skills while displaying her products, embodying the spirit of artistic entrepreneurship that the event championed.
Beyond Commerce: Building Community Bridges
The Rongdhonu Mela successfully transformed from a mere marketplace into a community-building exercise that blurred traditional boundaries. By bringing together LGBTQ+ community members, women entrepreneurs, and allies from different parts of India, the event created unprecedented spaces for dialogue and mutual support.
The timing of the fair—November 23, 2025—marked another step forward in Kolkata's progressive journey toward social inclusion. The city, known for its intellectual and cultural legacy, demonstrated once again its capacity to host meaningful conversations about diversity through practical economic empowerment.
As visitors explored the various stalls and interacted with participants, the fair accomplished its broader mission: to demonstrate that economic inclusion and social acceptance can go hand in hand, creating a more equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive regardless of their gender identity or background.
