Grandeur of Agomoni and Raas Mela: Celebrating Cultural Significance

Manipal Institute of Communication celebrated Agomoni and Raas Mela on 11th October 2025 with great pomp and splendour. Agomoni, the Bengali festival, marks the joyous arrival of Maa Durga to her parental home and the onset of the festive season.

Kalamanch, the drama and theatre club of MIC, presented a powerful rendition of Mahishasura Mardini, depicting Goddess Durga’s battle with the demons Mahishasura and the brothers Shumbha and Nishumbha, aided by Goddess Kali.

MIC’s dance club, Meraki, performed the Dhunuchi Naach, where the performers balance earthen pots with burning incense, coconut husk, and camphor. They also performed Sindoor Khela, a ritual with historical and cultural significance where women apply vermillion powder to each other's foreheads as a symbol of sisterhood, and celebration before bidding farewell to Goddess Durga.

Raas Mela, celebrating the vibrant dances and fairs during Navaratri, was observed on the same day, emphasising community as people come together through music and dance.

Fanatics, the fashion club of MIC, captivated the audience with a showstopping ethnic fashion walk featuring traditional attire from across India. Meraki, MIC’s dance club, then lifted the energy with a spirited Garba performance, celebrating the joy and rhythm of the season.

The event was presided over by Dr. Shubha HS, the director of Manipal Institute of Communication, and coordinated by Mr. C. Manikandan and Ms. Kavita Nagasampige, the faculty coordinators.

-          Mahalakshmi Gururaj

-          Photo credit: M. Kaushik