Kolkata: Every Durga Puja, Bengal celebrates the homecoming of Maa Durga, embracing the spirit of love, belonging and the enduring bond between a daughter and her family. Inspired by this powerful cultural sentiment, Kolonkojoyini, an initiative by Kolkata-based NGO Sanlaap, invites society to extend the same spirit of compassion and acceptance to women and girls who have survived sex trafficking and continue to face social stigma and discrimination.
Conceptualised and brought to life by Tribes in collaboration with Sanlaap, Kolonkojoyini, meaning 'She Who Conquers Stigma', is a monumental artistic installation of Maa Durga created using hundreds of garments contributed by survivors of sex trafficking. Each garment represents an individual story within a collective expression of resilience, dignity and hope. Together, they create a compelling visual experience that encourages audiences to reflect on the importance of ensuring that every survivor is treated with respect and given the opportunity to rebuild her life with dignity.
