March 8, 2026
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A memorable day for our family, as it marked the first wedding in the Panigrahi family. Coincidentally, it was also International Women’s Day. Apart from exchanging a few wishes, there was little scope to celebrate it in any special way. And perhaps that is not entirely unfortunate. With passing years, and seeing many empowered women around me, I increasingly feel that we are slowly inching towards gender equality—making the need for symbolic celebration less urgent than before.

The day began early. I was busy getting everyone ready, moving from one costume to another—first to attend the “Handi Bandaa” (ହାଣ୍ଡି ବନ୍ଦା) ritual, which marks the sanctification of the subsequent marriage ceremonies. This was followed by Haldi, the modern term for our traditional Gandhasana/Mangana, and then “Dian Mangula,” invoking the blessings of the deities.

From there, I drove straight for nearly one and a half hours to attend the 15th State AMBICON at DRIEMS, Tangi. This was my Biochemistry family, and it held equal importance for me. I chaired a session there, elected as the Vice-president of AMBI State chapter and soon returned home to prepare for the evening’s wedding ceremony.

Costume, camera, action…
Eat, meet, and greet…

We welcomed the groom with pomp and ceremony, ushered him to the altar, and then I hurried back home—to be with my daughter, who is in the middle of her examinations and was waiting for a little moral support.

And that, perhaps, is how Women’s Day is lived and realized—almost every day. Juggling between profession and home, work and emotions; taking instant decisions while planning life in the long term.

This is the story of countless women.
Mine is simply one example.