Durga Puja has always been more than a festival — it’s a celebration of culture, tradition, community spirit, and collective joy. This year, Sahay Foundation is bringing a new wave of purpose and empowerment to the festivities, with dedicated efforts towards uplifting marginalized communities and preserving Bengal’s rich cultural heritage.
Empowering the Dhakis – The Heartbeat of Puja
No Durga Puja is complete without the resonating beats of the dhak. The Dhakis, or traditional Bengali drummers, are the soul of the celebration — their music marking the arrival of the Goddess and setting the festive mood. Yet, in recent years, these skilled artists have been struggling due to declining opportunities and financial hardships.
Recognizing their invaluable role in keeping this centuries-old tradition alive, Sahay Foundation will introduce targeted schemes for their welfare this year. These initiatives will focus on:
- Financial support to ensure a dignified earning during the Puja season.
- Medical assistance for Dhakis and their families.
- Skill preservation workshops to train younger generations in the art of dhak playing.
Through these steps, Sahay Foundation hopes to protect not just a livelihood, but a vital cultural tradition.
Standing with Women-Run Pujas – A Celebration of Strength
This year’s Durga Puja will also see Sahay Foundation partnering with a select few Mahila Samity-run Pujas — community celebrations organized entirely by women. These women-led committees are remarkable examples of leadership, collaboration, and community service.
Sahay Foundation’s association will include:
- Resource and logistical support to ensure smooth and grand celebrations.
- Workshops on leadership, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy for women organizers.
- Promotion and media outreach to highlight their inspiring work and encourage more women to take active roles in community leadership.
This initiative aligns with Sahay Foundation’s ongoing mission to champion gender equality, promote women’s empowerment, and create platforms for women to showcase their organizational capabilities.
A Puja with a Purpose
By focusing on the Dhakis and women-led Puja committees, Sahay Foundation aims to ensure that Durga Puja remains a festival that uplifts every section of society. It is a celebration of tradition and progress walking hand in hand — where the rhythmic beats of the dhak echo stories of resilience, and where women’s voices lead communities towards a stronger, more inclusive future.
As the city lights up with the grandeur of Durga Puja 2025, Sahay Foundation invites everyone to join in not just as spectators, but as participants in this movement of empowerment, equality, and cultural pride.
This Puja, let’s celebrate the Goddess by empowering the real heroes of our community.
