‘Devi Durga: Threads of Divinity’- KKR Celebrate Bengal’s Kantha Heritage, Championing Women’s Empowerment

Kolkata, Oct 19: In a beautiful amalgamation of Bengal's rich cultural heritage and the power of women's empowerment, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) joined hands with SHE Kantha to present Devi Durga: Threads of Divinity, a unique Durga Puja installation at the Indian Museum in Kolkata. Blending the spirit of cricket with the timeless traditions of Bengal, the initiative celebrated the artistry of Kantha embroidery while creating a platform to champion women's skills, stories, and economic independence.

The initiative offered more than a celebration of Bengal's artistic traditions. It brought Kantha artisans and women from underserved communities into the spotlight, providing opportunities to showcase their skills, engage with new audiences and explore sustainable livelihoods.

In a historic first, the Indian Museum, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, hosted a Durga Puja pandal on its premises. Inaugurated on October 11, 2026, by Smt. Agnimitra Paul, the installation brought together three defining elements of Bengal's cultural identity: Durga Puja, traditional Kantha embroidery and the heritage of the Indian Museum.

A special KKR installation showcased the craftsmanship of Kantha artisans, while a curated gallery traced SHE Kantha's four-decade journey of preserving and reinventing the traditional embroidery form.

Beyond cricket: Giving women a platform

For KKR, the collaboration reflected a broader vision of using sport's popularity and influence to support communities beyond the cricket field. By bringing artisans and local communities into the spotlight, the franchise sought to connect Bengal's cultural legacy with women's economic empowerment.

Binda Dey, Chief Marketing Officer of Kolkata Knight Riders, highlighted the significance of the initiative.

"As a brand that is deeply rooted in Bengal, we believe our responsibility goes beyond the cricket field. This initiative brings together two things that matter deeply to us, celebrating our cultural heritage and creating opportunities for women," Dey said.

She added that the aim was to create platforms where women's talent could be recognised and their skills translated into greater economic independence.

The initiative also highlighted KKR's Shahoshi Rani programme, which supports women from underserved communities through vocational training and livelihood opportunities. At the inauguration, Shahoshi Ranis from the KKR-supported Calcutta Foundation welcomed Maa Durga with a special Dhunuchi dance performance, celebrating their confidence, creativity and strength.

Where heritage meets community?

The celebrations continued on October 17, Saptami, when KKR players Rahul Tripathi and Saurabh Dubey visited the pandal and interacted with Kantha artisans and Shahoshi Ranis.

The day also featured KKR Mela, which brought together approximately 100 Kantha artisans, KKR fan clubs and community members. Live demonstrations, interactive workshops and sessions on entrepreneurship and storytelling offered artisans opportunities to showcase their work, reach new audiences and explore ways to strengthen their livelihoods.

By weaving together cultural preservation, community participation and women's empowerment, KKR and SHE Kantha demonstrated how a sporting institution can contribute beyond the boundary ropes.

At its heart, Devi Durga: Threads of Divinity celebrated not just Bengal's heritage, but also the women whose creativity and determination continue to sustain it. Through this collaboration, KKR sought to ensure that recognition of their craft could become a stepping stone towards greater opportunity and independence.