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Puja Pandals Open Senses for Visually Impaired
19 Oct
Summary
- Visually impaired visitors can now touch Durga idol replicas.
- Initiative makes celebrations accessible for people with disabilities.
- Tactile replicas and audio narrations enhance festival experience.
Durga Puja celebrations in Delhi-NCR have introduced significant accessibility enhancements, allowing visually impaired individuals to experience the festivities through touch and sound. As of 2026, visitors like 19-year-old Akansha have reported profound personal connections, feeling a sense of purity and calm by interacting with tactile replicas of Goddess Durga and listening to her narrative via QR codes.
This inclusive initiative, spearheaded by the NGO Svayam and collaborating puja societies, extends beyond tactile experiences. It features ramps, Braille signage, and calm rooms to accommodate persons with disabilities and those with reduced mobility. These provisions ensure greater independence and comfort for all attendees, recognizing that accessibility benefits everyone, including the elderly and temporarily injured.
Furthering its commitment to inclusion, participating pandals are showcasing cultural programs featuring diverse groups. Svayam is also conducting volunteer training to better support visitors with accessibility needs. The long-term goal is to promote accessible festival practices nationwide, embedding inclusivity into major cultural events.
