Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh | In a vibrant celebration of women’s talent, creativity, self-expression, and empowerment, South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) officially inaugurated the “Nari Raag-Rang Mahotsav 2026” at its headquarters in Bilaspur on Friday. Organized under the aegis of Shraddha Mahila Mandal, the two-day cultural festival aims to provide women with a dynamic platform to showcase their artistic abilities, build confidence, and inspire one another through creative expression.
The grand opening ceremony witnessed enthusiastic participation from women employees, family members, and guests, creating an atmosphere filled with energy, enthusiasm, and artistic excellence.
Festival Inaugurated by Shraddha Mahila Mandal Leadership
The event commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony led by Mrs. Shashi Duhan, President of Shraddha Mahila Mandal, along with Vice Presidents Mrs. Anita Franklin, Mrs. Ipsita Das, Mrs. Hasina Kumar, and Mrs. Shubhashree Mahapatra.
Members of the executive committee, women participants, SECL employees, and their families attended the inauguration in large numbers, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for cultural and creative initiatives within the organization.
A Platform for Women’s Empowerment
Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Shashi Duhan emphasized the importance of encouraging women to explore and showcase their hidden talents.
“Nari Raag-Rang Mahotsav is a powerful platform that gives women the opportunity to express their talent, creativity, and self-confidence. It allows participants to learn from one another, gain inspiration, and discover new possibilities. Women’s creativity and active participation contribute significantly to the progress of both society and organizations.”
Her remarks highlighted the festival’s broader objective of empowering women through cultural engagement and personal development.
Day One Showcases Diverse Artistic Competitions
The opening day featured a wide range of competitions that drew enthusiastic participation from women across various age groups and backgrounds.
Events organized on the first day included:
- Singing Competition
- Solo Dance Competition
- Mono Act Competition
- Painting Competition
- Rangoli Competition
- Mehendi Art Competition
- Waste Material Art Competition
Participants demonstrated exceptional creativity, artistic skills, and stage presence throughout the day.
Musical Performances Impress Audience
The singing competition featured captivating performances spanning Bollywood songs, folk music, devotional hymns, and contemporary melodies. Contestants impressed both judges and audiences with their vocal talent and emotional expression.
Meanwhile, the solo dance competition showcased a variety of dance forms, with participants delivering energetic and graceful performances that received widespread appreciation.
Creative Arts Highlight Innovation and Expression
The Mono Act Competition provided contestants an opportunity to display their acting abilities, communication skills, and confidence on stage through engaging performances.
In the visual arts segment, participants expressed their creativity through colorful paintings, intricate rangoli designs, and beautifully crafted mehendi artwork.
One of the most appreciated events was the Waste Material Art Competition, where participants transformed discarded and unused materials into attractive and functional artworks. The competition effectively promoted the messages of environmental sustainability, resource conservation, and creative recycling.
Renowned Experts Served as Judges
To ensure transparent and high-quality evaluation, SECL invited distinguished experts from various artistic fields to serve as judges.
Music Competition Judges
- Ms. Khushboo Vishwakarma, Lecturer in Vocal Music, Indira Kala Sangeet University, Khairagarh
- Pandit Devendra Goswami, Founder and Director of Goswami Music Classes
Fine Arts Competition Judges
- Mrs. Bharti Jajodia, Retired English Teacher and Cultural Coordinator
- Mr. Arun Bhange, Actor and Scenographer
Dance Competition Judges
- Mr. Rishikant Gupta, International Folk Dance Artist
- Dr. Kavita Gangboir, Professor of Kathak, Dr. C.V. Raman University
During the event, all judges were honored with bouquets and commemorative mementos by the President and Vice Presidents of Shraddha Mahila Mandal in recognition of their valuable contributions.
Celebrating Creativity and Community Spirit
Throughout the day, participants displayed remarkable enthusiasm and commitment, transforming the festival into a lively celebration of artistic excellence and community engagement.
The event highlighted SECL’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where women are encouraged to pursue their interests, develop new skills, and gain recognition for their achievements.
Exciting Events Planned for Day Two
The festival will continue on June 13, 2026, with a series of group competitions, including:
- Group Singing
- Group Dance
- Stand-Up Comedy and Mimicry
- Drama and Skit Performances
The event will conclude with a grand awards ceremony, where winners from various competitions will be recognized and honored for their outstanding performances.
Strengthening Women’s Empowerment Through Culture
The SECL Nari Raag-Rang Mahotsav 2026 represents an important initiative by Shraddha Mahila Mandal to promote women’s empowerment through art, culture, and creative expression. By providing a platform for talent discovery and confidence-building, the festival continues to inspire women to reach new heights in both personal and professional spheres.
The program was skillfully hosted by Vivek Singh, Senior Manager, Human Resources and Welfare Department, SECL.
Key Highlights
- Grand inauguration of Nari Raag-Rang Mahotsav 2026 at SECL Headquarters, Bilaspur.
- Organized by Shraddha Mahila Mandal to promote women’s empowerment and creativity.
- Competitions included singing, dance, mono act, painting, rangoli, mehendi, and waste material art.
- Participation from hundreds of women, employees, and family members.
- Judged by renowned experts from the fields of music, dance, and fine arts.
- Day Two to feature group performances, comedy, mimicry, and drama competitions.
- Festival aims to strengthen self-confidence, artistic expression, and leadership among women.
The colorful opening of the festival set the stage for two days of inspiration, creativity, and celebration, reaffirming SECL’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting inclusive cultural development.
