YFLO Delhi, under the leadership of Chairperson Aaradhana Dalmia, organized a retreat for its members by hosting Agomoni in Kolkata, immersing members in the grandeur of Durga Puja, a festival that epitomizes feminine power, artistry, and collective celebration. The word Agomoni translates to the homecoming, symbolizing the return of Goddess Durga to her maternal home.
This theme resonated deeply with the essence of YFLO members celebrating women, strength, creativity, and community. Against the vibrant backdrop of Bengal’s most iconic festival, the retreat brought together tradition, heritage, and contemporary experiences in a way that reflected YFLO’s vision of curating transformative journeys for its members.
This three-day cultural immersion was conceptualized and brought to life by Kounteya Sinha, an award-winning journalist and one of India’s leading visual storytellers. His narrative approach ensured that the retreat went beyond sightseeing; it was a curated journey through history, culture, gastronomy, art, and music.
With a team of National Geographic photographers documenting every moment, members experienced the festival as both participants and storytellers, carrying back not just memories but also visual narratives of their journey. Through Agomoni, members witnessed the sacred and the celebratory, from private ancestral pujas and artisanal showcases to modern pandals and high-energy performances.
From the luxury of ITC Royal Bengal to the vibrant lanes of Kolkata, the retreat offered a seamless blend of tradition, indulgence, and community. Each day was carefully woven with storytelling, gastronomy, art, music, and camaraderie, leaving members with a profound connection to Durga Puja and its spirit of feminine power.
Highlights of the Retreat
- Durga Puja Heritage Walks
Members explored Old Calcutta’s private, traditional Durga Puja celebrations inside historic mansions, learning about the cultural significance of the festival and its ties to Bengal’s colonial and nationalist past. - Street Food & Pandal Hopping
A grand 19th-century-inspired feast at Khelat Bawan and a guided tour of Kolkata’s award-winning modern Durga Puja pandals showcased Bengal’s culinary richness, artistry, and storytelling through installations. - Personal Pujo & Cultural Immersion
Members draped the traditional laal paar saree and experienced their own Durga Puja at Jindal Mansion, complete with bhog curated by MasterChef Australia finalist Kishwar Chowdhury. The celebration was enriched with the beats of the dhaak, the sacred dhaanuchi dance, and the joyous sindoor khela. - Bengal Crafts Bazaar & Fashion Showcase
A special crafts bazaar curated by Aaradhana Dalmia introduced members to award-winning artisans of Bengal, while a pop-up exhibition of leading fashion and lifestyle brands brought Kolkata’s design culture to the YFLO community. - Music & Networking
Grammy-nominated maestro Bickram Ghosh and his percussion ensemble delivered a private live performance, creating an unforgettable cultural evening. Members also networked with YFLO Kolkata peers over high tea and connected through curated social evenings, including a gala night at Park Street’s Boujee House.
Impact
Around 93 women participated in the landmark retreat event in Kolkata. The participants included YFLO members from Delhi and Kolkata, along with special guests, artisans, performers, and collaborators. The Agomoni retreat was more than a cultural immersion; it was a celebration of women, heritage, and togetherness.
YFLO Delhi reaffirmed its mission of curating experiences that empower and inspire its members by connecting them with traditions that honor strength, creativity, and leadership. Through Agomoni, YFLO Delhi celebrated not just the goddess, but every woman who embodies her spirit.