Empowering Women Through Self-Employment: Success Story from Bagh Pashog

Nahan, April 1 — Dr. Priyanka Chandra, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate currently serving in Pachhad, has always been committed to empowering women in her community. As a woman herself, she thought about how women’s economic independence could be strengthened, and how they could become self-reliant through self-employment.

Dr. Chandra shared her ideas with a group of 23 women from the She-Hot collective in Bagh Pashog, located in the Sirmaur district. Inspired by her vision, the group worked together to create a unique organic product called ‘Bhagwati’. This product symbolizes the nine forms of Goddess Durga, with images and mantras depicted on it.

The women of She-Hot used cow dung, iron filings, wild flowers, camphor, and other sacred materials to make eco-friendly incense and havan cups. These products are entirely environmentally friendly and are said to purify the air while bringing positive energy to homes and removing negativity.

Dr. Chandra also shared that the attire for Goddess Durga was made using leftover clothes from home and dyed using brass flowers, beets, and basil leaves. The artistic design and beauty of the packaging for the Bhagwati product were enhanced by Kumiarya Jinya, a student at Government College Saraha, and Seema, an art teacher at Pavna School.

This initiative started in March and was showcased at the District-Level Maa Nagarkoti Mela on March 30, 2025, where the product was officially launched by Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Vice President Vinay Kumar. The products were also praised by Industries Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan during his visit to the exhibition on March 31, 2025. He appreciated Dr. Priyanka Chandra and the She-Hot women for their efforts, stating that this would significantly contribute to strengthening women’s economy.

Dr. Chandra further shared that this product will be displayed and sold at various fairs in Sirmaur district and will be available for devotees at local temples.