The vibrant spirit of Dussehra came alive at the recently held Dussehra Exhibition in Sydney. Held at the Granville Centre, this year’s event captivated attendees with lively performances and a beautiful showcase of ethnic products, all while promoting women-led businesses and cultural heritage.
Urmi Talukdar is the visionary founder of the Dussehra Exhibition. Dussehra Exhibition is an annual event that celebrates cultural heritage, promotes ethnic products, and empowers women entrepreneurs.
With a deep passion for community engagement and a commitment to supporting small businesses, Urmi established the exhibition as a platform for women, especially working mothers, to showcase their talents and business. She has created a platform for everyday moms and working women, aiming to help them fulfill their dreams and aspirations. Her vision for the Dussehra Exhibition, is to provide a space where women can showcase their talents, entrepreneurial skills, and cultural heritage.
Urmi’s commitment to empowering these women goes beyond mere business; she believes in fostering a supportive community that encourages creativity and collaboration. By highlighting the unique stories and products of these women, she not only uplifts individual aspirations but also strengthens the bonds within the community, making their dreams more achievable.
“The Dussehra Exhibition will continue to invite everyone to explore the diverse offerings and support women in business. It fosters a supportive environment where women feel encouraged to take risks and pursue their business aspirations. Our marketing efforts are not just about sales; they are about uplifting women and building a community that celebrates their achievements. My aim is to promote small businesswomen, helping them gain recognition and thrive in their entrepreneurial journeys”, says Urmi.
The Dussehra Exhibition has become an important space for promoting ethnic products, especially focusing on empowering women from all walks of life. Many of the vendors are working mothers and entrepreneurs who balance their family responsibilities with their passions. The exhibition provides a platform for Women Entrepreneurs with a chance to showcase their creativity and hard work, encouraging them to thrive in their businesses. Utilizing social media platforms, Urmi highlights the stories and products of small businesswomen.
As the Dussehra Exhibition unfolded this year, it brought together an impressive lineup of guests, including prominent women leaders such as NSW MPs Julia Finn, Charishma Kaliyanda, and Donna Davis. Their participation underscored the event’s commitment to celebrating women’s contributions in business, culture, and community.
Dussehra Exhibition drew crowds from across NSW, eager to explore the richness of ethnic attire and support local women-led businesses. Over 35 stalls featured a wide array of ethnic wear, including sarees, designer blouse, lehengas, kurtas, traditional jewelry, handmade jewellery, art, painting, clay pottery and handcrafted accessories. Each vendor brought unique items that told a story, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of the community.
The Dussehra Exhibition also featured over six food stalls offering delicious traditional delicacies. From mouthwatering sensor based panipuri chaat to aromatic biryanis, samosa, fresh juice and sweet treats, there was something to satisfy everyone. The food stalls, run by local vendors—many of whom were women—added to the festive atmosphere and encouraged conversations, making the event a memorable experience.
The highlight of the day was a fashion show, beautifully choreographed by Debasrita Mukherjee. The fashion show showcased 18 vendors vibrant ethnic products. The exhibition also included live performances by renowned artists Tamal Chakraborty and Ashutosh Jain, along with a delightful dance performance by children from the Nrityam Sydney Dance Studio choreographed by Juhi Bhavsar. These performances created a joyful atmosphere and brought the diverse community together.
“The Dussehra Exhibition is not just a place to shop for festive needs; it’s a celebration of women’s empowerment and cultural values. By supporting these local businesses, attendees & visitors help the community grow economically and show appreciation for the skill and creativity behind each product. The event fosters a sense of community, allowing women to connect, share experiences, and inspire one another” says Urmi emphasising the importance of these events in uplifting women and promoting local businesses.