On International Women’s Day, 8 March 2026, Travancore House became a space for celebration, reflection, and recognition. As part of the Tribes Art Festival, organised with partners including FICCI, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and the National Gallery of Modern Art, the evening hosted a special gathering titled Women in Dali – Anjaan Khushi, the theme for 2026.

Women in Dali is an initiative that brings together art, recognition, and storytelling to celebrate women artists. Curated by Dali by Comdez, and conceived by Anjaan Khushi, it creates a platform where women from different backgrounds are recognised for their creative journeys.

A Platform for Recognition and Dialogue

At the heart of Women in Dali was a felicitation ceremony. Six women artists were honoured by four distinguished women leaders. The moment was both celebratory and meaningful.

The guests presenting the honours included Dr. Seema Bawa, Professor at the University of Delhi; Tanu Sinha, design leader at PepsiCo India; Seema Pandey, Co-Founder of Arquite; and Sheela Reddy, journalist and author. Their presence brought together voices from academia, design, architecture, and media.

Each artist had a unique journey. Nusrat Jahan was recognised for her work on women’s freedom and identity. Dr. Misha Yarramilli was honoured for her dedication to art despite personal challenges. Tapasi Sen, a mixed-media artist, was celebrated for her initiative Powerfy, where she teaches underprivileged children.

Pooja was recognised for her deeply personal artistic voice, shaped by her mother’s perseverance. Alisha Thakur stood out for her bold use of colour and contemporary style. Himadri Gupta, a young artist, was acknowledged for her sensitive engagement with nature.

An Evening of Art and Experience

The evening opened with a Saraswati Vandana by classical dancer Ekta Sharma. It set a calm and reflective tone. A welcome address followed, introducing the vision behind Women in Dali – Anjaan Khushi.

Vishal Goyal, Founder of Dali by Comdez, felicitated the distinguished guests. He recognised their contributions to art, culture, design, and literature. The ceremony created a space for exchange and appreciation.

The event also featured a watercolour session by Hansram Yadav, a retired professor from the Delhi College of Art. He painted while the audience observed quietly. The session was simple, yet deeply engaging. It allowed viewers to experience the rhythm and patience behind the process.

Why Women in Dali is Important

Women in Dali plays an important role in today’s cultural landscape. It gives visibility to women artists who often lack platforms for recognition. It also creates a space for dialogue and connection.

The initiative goes beyond celebration. It builds a community. Artists, thinkers, and audiences come together to share ideas and experiences. This exchange strengthens the creative ecosystem.

Through platforms like Dali by Comdez, such initiatives continue to grow. They encourage collaboration and open new opportunities for artists. You can also explore more work and updates through their Instagram page.

Building a Cultural Community

More than a single event, Women in Dali is part of a larger effort to build meaningful cultural spaces. It connects different creative voices and encourages deeper engagement with art.

The event highlighted how art is not just about expression. It is also about stories, struggles, and lived experiences. By bringing these narratives forward, the initiative creates a more inclusive cultural dialogue.

A Celebration Beyond the Evening

The impact of Women in Dali – Anjaan Khushi extends beyond one evening. It creates a platform for continued recognition and storytelling.

By honouring six artists and bringing together diverse voices, the initiative reinforces the importance of supporting women in art. It opens doors to new conversations and future possibilities.

Women in Dali stands as a reminder that art can connect people, inspire change, and build communities.