#Witch Fest# Witch Festival# Witch Festival in Kolkata# Kolkata
Kolkata/IBNS-CMEDIA: Organized by the Wiccan Brigade headed by its chairperson Ipsita Roy Chakraverti, the second edition of India’s first and only festival of witches was held at a city hotel in Kolkata on Feb 23.
Culturist Sundeep Bhutoria was chief guest and spoke about the role of Destiny in life and about how Ipsita has broken old stereotypes, improved the position of women in our country and brought the Wiccan movement to the fore.
Anjan Dutt speaking about his Wiccan experiences
Ipsita Roy Chakraverti presented awards of honour to Anjan Dutt, Avijit Banerjee, and Sourav Chatterjee for being the firsts in various forms of media to present the true Wicca.
Avijit Banerjee, recipient of the Wiccan Brigade Award of Honour
Anjan Dutt spoke about his first meeting with Ipsita, his working with Ipsita and Deepta in his film ‘Mannequin’ for ETV Bangla and about his strange experiences with the supernatural.
Upasna Mohapatra, Special Guest, BJP MLA from Odisha
He reminisced about old times and about how apprehensive he and his unit were initially about how Ipsita would take to them! But he realized her kindness and her patience.
Sourav Chatterjee recipient of the Wiccan Brigade Award of Honour
Upasna Mohapatra, BJP MLA from Odisha who had flown into the city for a few hours for the event, was in conversation with Ipsita Roy Chakraverti about the importance of values and tradition in society and about how spirituality and politics can go hand in hand. Dr. Gouri Kumra gave a perspective on the science of seduction and enchantresses.
Dr. Gouri Kumra speaking on wellness
Avijit Banerjee talked about the power of Darkness and about how it is at the root of creation of Light. Avijit also talked about the
making of his serial Parapaar for ETV Bangla and how obstacles were overcome in a magical way.
Noor Jehan played by Nilakshi
Sourav Chatterjee talked about the making of his Bengali podcast and the popularity of Wicca as witnessed through the growing numbers of viewers.
Bhanumati played by Isha
The Dakini Durwaza showcased famous witches from history, reenacted by Wiccan Brigade members.
Robin Hood played by Subhadeep
There were depictions of great men and women from history including Merlin, Khana, Noor Jehan, Robin Hood, Bhanumati , the Forest Witch of Meghalaya and Joan of Arc.
Forest Witch played by Anulekha
A session on spells, ranging from love to victory and beauty, demonstrated by members left the audience wanting more.
Khana played by Aneita
Ipsita Roy Chakraverti says, “It is a matter of pride for me that in a country like India which is beset with superstition, today, we can organise a festival to celebrate witches.
Merlin played by Indroneel
“The dakini of old, who was at one time, even worshipped as Mahamaya, is once again reclaiming her position of honour and people are understanding the true meaning of the word Witch. At one time, Wicca was a global phenomena. The ugly word ‘dayani’ used in our country, comes from the Roman Goddess Diana.”
Joan of Arc played by Deepta
“The word was imported to our country, centuries ago, and turned into a word to denigrate women. But changes come. They must . For only through that, will there be a vindication of the hundreds and thousands of women burnt as witches over the centuries. And our women in India gain a better position,” she adds.
