The India International Centre (IIC), Delhi, will showcase women’s creativity and leadership through its annual, five-day arts festival Sā-Vanitā: Thus, She Speaks, from 10-14 October 2025. The festival will celebrate the range and richness of women’s voices through a dynamic program of exhibitions, performances, film, talks and food.
Event Essentials
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Theme | Sā-Vanitā: Thus, She Speaks |
| Venue | India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi |
| Dates | October 10 – 14, 2025 |
| Inauguration | Vivek Aggarwal, Ministry of Culture |
| Features | Exhibition, workshops, performances, and panel discussions |
| Focus | Amplifying women’s voices in artistic spaces |
| Major Highlight | Exhibition ‘Shunya: The Power of Zero’ |
Key Events of the Festival
- Shunya- The Power of Zero will be officially opened on 9 October by Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture.
- On 10 October, the festival will commence officially with a keynote address by journalist Mrinal Pande, followed by a Bharatanatyam performance by Malavika Sarukkai.
- Other special events include a program by the Neemrana Foundation Diva: The Triumph of Woman in Opera and other performances including Malay dance by ASK Dance Company, a Hindustani vocal performance by Sniti Mishra, and Nangiar Koothu: Emancipation of Ahalya by Usha Nangiar.
- The film series curated by Shivendra Singh Dungarpur will include screenings and panels featuring leading women involved in leadership and activism.
- There will also be a series called Celebrating Women Chefs, curated by Sourish Bhattacharyya and Pushpesh Pant.
Together, this represents a celebration of women’s contributions to a number of cultural domains and spaces for sharing and exchange to happen.
Schedule at a Glance
| Date | Event Details & Highlights |
|---|---|
| 9th October | Opening of Shunya exhibition — Vivek Aggarwal (MoC), Mrinal Pande (Keynote) |
| 10th October | Festival inauguration and Bharatanatyam recital — Shyam Saran (IIC President), Malavika Sarukkai |
| 11th October | Opera & vocal performances — Neemrana Foundation, Sniti Mishra |
| 12th October | Malay dance & traditional Kerala performance — ASK Dance Company, Usha Nangiar |
| 13th October | Film screenings & panel discussions on women’s leadership and activism — Shivendra Singh Dungarpur and panelists |
| 14th October | Food festival celebrating women chefs — Sourish Bhattacharyya, Pushpesh Pant |
Experience & Impact
The festival will take place from October 10 to 14, 2025 in multiple indoor and outdoor spaces, offering many performances of classical and folk dance, opera, cinema, stimulating conversations, and food. The festival begins with the poignant exhibition Shunya- The Power of Zero, which will be inaugurated by Shri Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture. After the festival opens with a speech by noted journalist and litterateur, Mrinal Pande, on October 9, President of the IIC Shyam Saran will then formally inaugurate the festival.
Among the highlights are Chef Rekha Rigo’s “Spice Route: Coastal Food from Andhra,” showcasing the flavors of coastal Andhra; Chef Samita Haldar’s tribute to Bengali culinary traditions with “Shonar Bangla Bhoj;” “Sunday Brunch: Flavours of Gujarat” made by SEWA members; Chef Gunjan Goela’s “Begum-e-Dilli,” which showcases the historic flavors of Old Delhi; Vijay Kumar’s “La Table Française,” which offers a French-inspired experience; and Chef Shacchi Anand’s “Baghar-e-Magadh,” a delicious exploration of cuisines across Bihar.
Beyond the Canvas
To enrich the festival’s cultural fabric, there are performances in all forms, including Malavika Sarukkai’s lovely Bharatanatyam dance, and a captivating all-women opera ensemble produced by the Neemrana Foundation. We also highlight a South Indian storytelling tradition, where Stree Ratnas fuse musical compositions made for the divine, and heritage all while keeping artistic expression alive.
Are you ready to be a part of such an amazing and unique celebration of women’s voices? Would you step into a movement that has the responsibility of impacting the future of artistic expression? You will come across stories that inspire, challenge, and transform, and your mere presence can take this festival to be a relevant force for change.
