NCW to Celebrate Ahilya Devi Holkar’s 300th Birth Anniversary with Grand Two-Day Event in Varanasi
Varanasi, May 29 — In a heartfelt tribute to one of India’s most revered women rulers, the National Commission for Women (NCW) will host a two-day celebration in Varanasi to commemorate the tricentenary of Punyashlok Ahilya Devi Holkar. The event will reflect her unmatched legacy in governance, women's empowerment, and public welfare.
The main celebrations will be held on May 31 at the RUDRAKSH – International Cooperation and Convention Centre, and will feature keynote speeches, exhibitions, and cultural performances. A series of pre-events will begin on May 30 at various locations across the city.
Honouring a Visionary Leader
Punyashlok Ahilya Devi Holkar, the legendary queen of the Holkar dynasty of Malwa, is remembered for her visionary rule in the 18th century, during which she promoted justice, built temples, dharamshalas, and rest houses across India, and upheld women’s rights long before it became a national conversation.
The NCW’s initiative aims to bring her achievements into contemporary dialogue, especially in the context of women’s leadership and empowerment.
Key Highlights of the Programme
May 30: Tribute and Youth Engagement
- Lecture by NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar at Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith University, focusing on Ahilya Devi’s legacy in governance and social reform.
- Floral tribute and memorial ceremony at Shubham Lawn and Banquet, Mahmoorganj.
- A painting competition themed on the queen’s life and ideals will be hosted at Lalit Kala Bhawan, encouraging school and college students to creatively engage with history.
- In the evening, a grand rangoli competition will take place at NAMO Ghat, where a 400-square-foot rangoli design will depict Ahilya Devi’s contributions.
May 31: Main Commemoration at Rudraksh Centre
- Keynote Address by NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, highlighting Ahilya Devi Holkar’s role as a model for women in leadership.
- A special address by poet and orator Dr. Kumar Vishwas, bringing a contemporary perspective to the queen’s legacy.
- Inauguration of an exhibition on Ahilya Devi Holkar’s life and work, featuring curated displays from:
- Swami Vivekanand Subharti University
- Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Divyanga University (JRDU)
- Around 20 schools from Varanasi
- Felicitation ceremony for painting and rangoli competition winners.
- A cultural performance dedicated to the queen’s life and values.
- The evening will conclude with the ceremonial lighting of diyas, symbolizing the eternal light of Ahilya Devi’s wisdom and compassion.
A National Symbol of Women's Empowerment
NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar emphasized that the event is not just a tribute but also a call to action for women and youth to imbibe the queen’s values.
“Ahilya Devi Holkar’s life is a guiding light for women in leadership and public service. Through this celebration, we aim to honour her vision and inspire the next generation to follow in her footsteps,” Rahatkar stated.
Why This Celebration Matters
- 300 years of Ahilya Devi Holkar: A milestone moment to revisit one of India’s earliest champions of social justice and women’s empowerment.
- Cultural Renaissance: The event bridges historical reverence with modern cultural expressions like art, performance, and public participation.
- Educational Engagement: By involving schools and universities, the programme ensures that younger generations are educated about India’s forgotten female icons.
Legacy That Lives On
Born in 1725, Ahilya Devi Holkar was not just a ruler but a reformer, builder, and social visionary. From reconstructing temples across India to initiating welfare programs, her work left a lasting imprint on Indian society.
By commemorating her tricentenary in Varanasi — a city deeply embedded in India’s spiritual and cultural heritage — the NCW hopes to revive national interest in her ideals.