Events
Big Devi Energy 2025
Secure your spot for the upcoming conference on September 27th, 2025. Register with a click and explore the agenda below!
Offerings of the Day
Navigate below to uncover how the day will unfold
The World Is Sound
The World Is Sound
Sound has the power to connect, transform, and transcend. In this immersive session, Shital Dalwadi explores the universal resonance of sounds across time—from temple bells to conch shells—and their deep-rooted significance in spiritual traditions worldwide.
As sacred geometry projections shift and rotate around you, the first part of the session will invite you to experience sound with open eyes, taking in both visual and auditory frequencies. Then, as we transition, you’ll close your eyes and turn inward, letting the vibrations guide your own inner visualizations. Through the practice of Shabd Yoga, we will go deeper—closing the eyes, ears, and nose to fully experience the subtle resonance of sound within.
This session also explores the vibration of our own names—how sound shapes identity, presence, and connection to the divine.
Decolonizing the Feminine
Decolonizing the Feminine
How has colonization shaped the way we understand femininity, identity, and tradition? In this deeply layered conversation, scholars, artists, and cultural practitioners come together to unravel the inherited narratives that have defined — and confined — the feminine.
This panel explores the feminine as it has been dressed, colored, and conditioned through colonial frameworks. From the intimate relationship we have with our skin to the textiles that once told our ancestral stories, the conversation centers on what has been lost, what has been preserved, and what we are consciously reclaiming.
Artist and designer Rakhee Jain will share how textiles and fashion serve as tools for cultural reclamation, allowing South Asians to reconnect with heritage through the clothes they wear.
Dr. Anita Wadhwa will offer a historical lens on colorism, inviting us to examine how Eurocentric beauty standards have impacted generations of self-worth and belonging.
Priya Ramkissoon, founder of Imiloa Collective, will bring insight into how sustainable artisan practices and community-centered design help preserve cultural knowledge while supporting economic resilience.
Moderated by creative strategist and storyteller Zainob Mathew, this session invites participants to reflect on how the feminine continues to evolve—and how reclaiming our stories can lead to a more rooted and liberated identity.
Conscious Relationships: A Journey Back to Self
Conscious Relationships: A Journey Back to Self
Every relationship we experience—whether with family, partners, children, or friends—is a mirror of our own evolution. Just as the caterpillar dissolves completely before emerging as a butterfly, true transformation in our relationships requires deep inner work. How we give, receive, set boundaries, and heal stems from the energy we carry within—shaped by past experiences, karmic imprints, and soul lessons.
In this intimate sharing circle, Shilpa Agarwal will open the session with insights on the energy of relationships, karmic imprints, and the Akashic Records—guiding us to explore how our inner world shapes our outer connections.
True connection begins within. When we honor our personal metamorphosis, our external relationships evolve with us. This session invites you to turn inward, listen deeply, and emerge transformed.
📍 Format: Small-group sharing circles following an introduction by Shilpa Agarwal
🌀 Duration: 60 minutes
Yoga of Self Discovery
Yoga of Self Discovery
Gunjen will offer a rejuvenating and healing movement-based session intertwining both classical Indian dance and Yoga Vinyasa. A focus on somatic awareness will be incorporated to allow for body exploration/discovery, promote nervous system regulation, and inward reflection.Each session begins with a journaling exercise using mindfulness writing prompts followed byloosening, dynamic exercises, simple yoga asanas and dance movements, pranayama (or breathwork) and guided meditation to bring about harmony and stillness of the mind. This session is designed to harness our Creative Intelligence and discover the subtler layers of existence and to tap into something unknown and profound.All beautiful body types, colors and abilities are welcome to join! No experience in dance or yoga necessary. Please bring with you something to write on/with, a yoga mat, water, a towel and feel free to wear loose breathable clothes. Peace!
An Artist-Led Exploration of Transformation
An Artist-Led Exploration of Transformation
Art is a reflection of transformation—of self, society, and spirit. In this closing session, the House of Devi Art Gallery comes to life as participating artists take center stage to discuss the theme of Metamorphosis—how change, growth, and evolution shape both their artistic process and personal journeys. As we close the day, this conversation serves as a powerful reminder that metamorphosis is ongoing, and we are all works in progress.
📍 Format: Artist-led discussion + audience engagement with Jasmine Shah of The Jung Center
🌀 Duration: 60 minutes
Art, Connection & Celebration
Art, Connection & Celebration
As the Big Devi Energy Conference comes to a close, we invite you to linger, connect, and celebrate at our Mocktail Party & Art Showcase in the House of Devi Art Gallery. From 5-7 PM, enjoy an evening of art, conversation, and creativity, surrounded by the stunning works of our featured artists.
✨ Sip on handcrafted mocktails and indulge in light bites & sweets
✨ Engage with the artists as they discuss their work and inspirations
✨ Explore & shop unique pieces of art, jewelry, and streetwear created exclusively for this event
✨ Network & unwind with like-minded souls in a space designed for deep connection
This closing celebration is more than just an ending—it’s an invitation to take a piece of Big Devi Energy with you, whether through a new connection, a meaningful conversation, or a special piece of art.
Click below to learn more about our presenting artists and facilitators.
Artist & Director of Artistic Programming
Sneha Bhavsar
Sneha Bhavar is a Houston based visual artist working through multiple mediums to highlight our human connections - across history, cultures and continents. Her paintings, installations and handicrafts employ folk art motifs and culturally based textile patterns to explore cultural heritage, rituals and folklore. Sneha's South Asian background heavily inspires and guides both her professional artwork and personal endeavors in fostering an appreciation for inclusivity and cultural diversity.
Artist & Panelist
Pothik Chatterjee
Born in Kolkata, India, I had a global childhood and upbringing in Dubai, Paris, Abu Dhabi and Jakarta, influencing my artistic style and approach. Art has been a lifelong passion of mine. As a child, my first drawings were of Hindu Goddesses like Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati - representing divine feminine power and grace. I paint abstract acrylics on canvas that are calm and meditative, inspired by nature, emotional inner landscapes, Hindu and Buddhist philosophy. Art is magic for me, creativity is healing and therapeutic, connected to my spirituality and Indian heritage and ancestral voices, processing colonialism, immigration and cultural upheaval, and manifesting beauty, serenity, self-acceptance and empowerment through the power of the brush and soothing colors and energies.
Artist & Panelist
Rakhee Jain Desai
(b. Mississauga, Canada) is a multidisciplinary artist employing textile/fiber, painting, installation, public art, and moving images to narrate personal stories within her community. Her work interweaves themes of integration, empowerment, and resilience, reflecting the shared experiences for many women of color and immigrant communities. Her artistic approach revolves around storytelling to shed light on overlooked narratives, fostering intergenerational connections crucial for a more pluralistic society. Instagram: @rjdartist Website: www.rakheejaindesai.com
Artist
Amy Malkan
Amy Malkan is a public artist, social impact artrepreneur and community developer. Her family heritage from India and Africa and travels have influenced her artistic expression. She is best known for her community based public art projects. Malkan fundamentally believes that everyone deserves access and exposure to the arts, therefore she strives to engage the public in the design and production of most of her public art projects. She has completed over a 100 mural projects and is looking forward to keep expanding as an artist!
Artist
Ami Mehta
Ami Mehta is a multidisciplinary visual artist working primarily in inks, charcoal, textiles, and enamel. She creates in both abstract expressionist and figurative veins and draws from her eclectic experiences growing up in a drastically disparate array of cultures, as well as from her twelve years studying and working in architecture. Ami’s works are included in the permanent art collections of the City of Houston, Houston Endowment, the Alamo Community College system, University Health Women and Children’s Hospital, North Shore University Hospital, Fort Bend County and the University of Houston. Ami also has permanent pieces in locations around Houston such as, The Magnolia Hotel, JW Marriott and Four Seasons, as well as in other cities such as The Gwen in Chicago, Westin Mammoth Lakes, Washington Court Hotel in DC, Hard Rock Hotel Fort Lauderdale, Four Seasons Dallas, and ICON’s House Zero in Austin.
Artist
Anjali Nanda
I’m Anjali, an artist who blends the beauty of traditional Indian art with a fresh, modern voice. My paintings draw from Madhubani, Pichwai, and Gond — each known for their intricate patterns, rich symbolism, and deep cultural roots. I layer these traditions with vibrant colors and contemporary forms to create work that explores spirituality, resilience, identity, and motherhood. Living away from India, painting has become my way of staying close to my heritage while creating art that speaks to something universal. For me, art is both storytelling and soulwork — a way to share beauty, meaning, and connection with others.
Artist
Sheetal Otia
Sheetal Otia is a talented moss artist with over 25 years of experience. Her artistic journey began as a henna artist, where she first explored her creativity through intricate designs inspired by her cultural heritage. Over time, her passion evolved, leading her to explore Hindu mythological characters in her artwork, further deepening her connection to her roots.
Panelist & Artist
Jigna Patel
Jigna Patel is a contemporary abstract artist who lived in Houston for 23 years, and recently moved to Chicago. Her path to painting has been deeply shaped by both science and spirit. Originally from England, she first explored art and textile design during her GCSE studies before choosing a career in clinical pharmacy. After 16 years in organ transplant and critical care, including eight years painting part-time for collectors around the world, Jigna transitioned fully into art—channeling her healing energy through canvas instead of medicine. Her return to painting began as a creative outlet after the birth of her second child and soon evolved into a passion for mixed media, including resin, inks, and oils. Today, her work is rooted in Organic Abstract Expressionism and guided by a desire to inspire, empower, and uplift through color, texture, and movement.
Artist
Anu Srivastav
A Houstonian of South Asian (Indian) origin, Anu has been actively creating art for over 35 years. She has worked with a variety of media over the years creating sculptures, paintings and performance & live visual art. Today, she primarily works with oil and acrylic with a focus on large abstracts. Born in New Orleans and raised in Houston, and having also lived in Oslo, Mumbai and Goa, Anu often incorporates cultural themes from her life experiences into her work.
Artist
Manju Unnikrishnan
bios of our
Panelists & Facilitators
Conscious Relationships—A Journey Back to Self
Shilpa Agarwal
Shilpa Agarwal is an internationally published author, decolonial academic, and pranic healer. She brings a profound intention of healing and transformation to all areas of her work and life, with a focus on helping individuals and families recover their health, harmony, and vitality. She facilitates healing through frameworks based in Yoga, Tantra, and Ayurveda, and modern understandings of trauma, epigenetics, and vibrational medicine. She teaches classes designed to foster healing and reconnection, including Yoga of Relationship and Yoga of Motherhood.
Moderator
Zainob Amao
Zainob Amao is the Founder and Creative Director of A.M.A.O, a woman-owned, cross-disciplinary strategy and creative consultancy. A designer, curator, producer, and storyteller, she creates socially conscious narratives recognized by The New York Times, Vogue, ABC, PBS, Hulu, BET, and the James Beard Foundation. Rooted in ethics, equity, and ancestral wisdom, her work bridges cultural divides, amplifies underrepresented voices, and reimagines how audiences engage with culture. As Creative Director for ChòpnBlọk, she has transformed the West African dining concept into a platform for culinary and cultural storytelling. Based in Houston, Zainob champions the belief that blended perspectives enrich the human experience.
The world is sound
Shital Dalwadi
Shital Dalwadi is the co-founder and Creative Director of House of Devi, where she merges ancestral memory, artistry, and spiritual inquiry into wearable and experiential offerings. A classically trained Kathak dancer and emerging visual artist, Shital draws from her background in movement and energy healing to explore how sound, form, and story live in the body. At the Big Devi Energy Conference, she steps into both co-visionary and facilitator roles, guiding The World is Sound—a meditative, multisensory experience that explores the sacred resonance of bells across cultures and spiritual traditions. Through vibration, visual art, and silence, she invites participants to listen not just with their ears, but with their whole being. Her work is rooted in curiosity, reverence, and the belief that transformation begins in the subtle—where the invisible becomes felt, and the felt becomes known.
Yoga of Discovery
Gunjen Mittal
Gunjen Mittal is a healing justice advocate and a performing artist who serves her community as a Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Therapist, Ayurvedic Practitioner, Self-Taught Herbalist and a Permaculture organic gardener. She is an intuitive mixed-media artist, a poet and a classically trained Indian dancer (specializing in Odissi) and a Freestyle dancer since childhood. She is initiated in and continues to study the Himalayan Kriya meditation system and tantric sciences by monks all based in Sanskrit heritage. Gunjen currently works to address intersectional racial/health inequities centering the lives of BIPOC, immigrant and refugee communities from a holistic perspective. She also worked with victims and survivors of gender-based violence and trauma for over 15 years both in Houston and Austin. Gunjen has served on the Boards of Daya Houston, Voices Breaking Boundaries and is currently serving for a Community Acupuncture Collective in Austin. Gunjen loves co-creating a world of collective innerstanding and liberation for all.
Panelist
Priya Ramkissoon
Funder and Director of Imiloa Collective, a social creative enterprise dedicated to preserving traditional craft and empowering marginalized communities. Working across Southern Africa, the UK, and the US, Imiloa supports artisans—particularly women and refugees—through skill-sharing, design innovation, and cultural storytelling. Priya’s work centers on honoring heritage while reimagining craft in contemporary contexts, creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and global dialogue. Through public art, exhibitions, and community collaborations, she champions cultural preservation, creative entrepreneurship, and cross-cultural exchange. Priya believes that traditional craft is not only a creative practice but a vital link to identity, resilience, and belonging.
Moderator
Jasmine Shah
Jasmine Shah is a visionary educator, poetic thinker, and the Director of the Jung Center’s Mind Body Spirit Institute. With an M.A. in Psychology and Spirituality from Columbia University, her work bridges the realms of trauma, consciousness, and transpersonal psychology. Her scholarly work delves into the intricate interplay between psychology, consciousness, and transpersonal psychology, exploring how the soul expresses itself through cycles of death and rebirth, light and shadow. Her work is a living inquiry into how the arts, psychology, and consciousness coalesce, calling us into a more soulful, post-materialistic future where creativity becomes a path to collective renewal.
Panelist
Dr. Anita Wadhwa
Anita Wadhwa is a native Houstonian and daughter of Punjabi immigrants. She is Executive Director of Restorative Houston, and a former classroom teacher and restorative justice coordinator. She is author of Restorative Justice in Urban Schools: Disrupting the School to Prison Pipeline, co-author of The Little Book of Youth Engagement in Restorative Justice. and a contributor to Colorizing Restorative Justice. She hires and consults with former students to train in restorative practices. She owes everything to her parents, husband, and two lovely girls. She lives in Houston, Texas on the land of the Karankawa, Sana, and Atakapa.
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