In the heart of Kolkata, a father watched with tears of joy outside a brightly lit pandal. For the first time, his 16-year-old daughter, who lives with a disability, was able to experience the magic of Durga Puja — not from the sidelines, but as a participant. Ramps, braille signage, quiet zones and trained volunteers had transformed exclusion into celebration.
This moment, deeply personal yet universally resonant, captures the spirit of a transformative initiative that merges tradition with innovation to make cultural experiences truly inclusive and accessible to all.
Designing Dignity: Accessibility Guidelines for Inclusive Celebrations
On 18 September 2025, UN in India and UNESCO, in partnership with the Government of West Bengal, represented by Firhad Hakim, Mayor of Kolkata, launched a comprehensive initiative to create accessible cultural spaces. This initiative introduced Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for pandal organizers, covering infrastructure, communication, emergency preparedness, and volunteer training during the Durga Puja celebrations in West Bengal.
Developed by IIT Kharagpur in collaboration with leading Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) — Anjali – a mental health rights organizations, SANCHAR, Sruti Disability Rights Centre and Svayam — the SOPs were brought to life across 24 pandals in Kolkata by UNESCO’s on-ground partner, massArt. Practical features, such as temporary ramps, clear pathways, resting areas, and accessible toilets, ensured that cultural festivities were welcoming to all.
The pilot, which spanned 24 pandals in Kolkata, incorporated non-negotiable accessibility standards. Volunteers, affectionately called “Puja Pandas,” were trained in respectful interaction and basic support, while spaces for baby feeding and calm zones added dignity and comfort for all.
Durga Puja: A Living Heritage
Durga Puja, celebrated worldwide, is one of the largest public art festivals, with Kolkata transforming into an open-air gallery of installations, clay sculptures, and collaborative design every year. Every year, artisans, musicians, volunteers, and visitors come together create an immersive cultural tapestry enriched with creativity and communal spirit.
read more: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/making-heritage-accessible-all-reimagining-durga-puja-through-inclusion?hub=701
