Ileana Citaristi will perform at the one of the Women’s Day events in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, March 6: The city is set to host a variety of events each of which salute the virtues of women on the occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8.

Although in various formats, all the programmes focus on bringing out the essence of women by highlighting their talents as well as concerns.

Art Era, a painting exhibition on women and by women that is being hosted every Women’s Day for the past six years by the Odisha Modern Art Gallery, will begin on Friday.

The weeklong national level art exhibition will feature 35 women painters who will express their sentiments or convey the hopes, aspirations and situation of women in the country.

“Many women artists, not only in Odisha but across the country, had quit art either after starting a family or out of lack of encouragement. We have constantly tried to give them a forum to revive their talent since women are naturally creative and losing out on such wonderful artists is a loss to the Indian art scenario,” said Tarakant Parida, the proprietor of the gallery and organiser of the event.

The art exhibition includes senior artists from all over the country as well as young artists from the Utkal University of Culture.

“We want to give them a platform before they can think of abandoning their flair,” said Parida.

Another colourful event to observe the occasion is a cultural evening by a city based organisation Parichay.

The cultural programme at Rabindra Mandap will begin with noted Odissi danseuse Illeana Citaristi’s group recital Karuna that eulogises Mother Teresa. Following this recital will be a Kathak rendition by Shobhna Narayan and a performance by vocalist from Odisha Susmita Das.

“It is a beautiful opportunity for me to remind people of one of the most inspiring women ever on earth — Mother Teresa. If they think of her struggles and her passion to serve humanity, I’m sure they will start treating women with respect,” said Illeana.

From marches, rallies to conventions, many other events will mark the day.

Over a dozen women organisations of the state will hold a two-day state-level women leaders’ convention on Thursday and Friday that will include participation of women from all corners of the state.

“We are expecting participation of over 500 tribal and Dalit women as well as women youth leaders representing all the 30 districts of the state. Women achievers will be felicitated.

Apart from cultural programmes and drama competitions, there will be discussions on issues relating to women,” said Pramila Swain, member of organising committee of the Women’s Day celebration to be held on Adivasi Exhibition Ground.