A More Inclusive Celebration: Accessibility Feature at Durga Puja 2025 

Durga Puja, one of the biggest festivals, was listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2021. This year, Durga Puja communities are making their way towards inclusivity as Pandals are being planned keeping in mind the diversities in the visitors, such as people with Disabilities, children, and women. Many Pandals have wheelchair facilities, accessibility toilets, audio announcements, Braille displays, guided tours for people with Disabilities, etc. 

This has become possible because of the newly introduced Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) given by the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO). The organisation has given roadmaps that need to be followed by the Pandal, making them accessible to all. Along with the organisers, there are guidelines for police officers, fire services, the disaster management team, and civic authorities to follow for inclusivity. 

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What is Integrated Accessibility? 

It means to have a celebration inclusive of all. Every year, millions of people visit the Durga Puja festival; however, it has remained exclusive in design, especially for people with Disabilities. However, this year with SOPs, things are changing for the better. The checklist shared is exhaustive, including the following – 

1. Ramps and handrails 
2. Strictly highlighting that ramps should not be blocked because if decoration
3. Accessible toilets with grab bars 
4. Anti-Skid Surfaces for safety 
5. Drop off points within 30 m of the entrance 
6. Rest zone every 30-50 m with seating arrangement 
7. Tactile Guiding Blocks 
8. Drinking water at multiple heights 
9. Pictogram and Braille displays, along with language signboards 
10. Viewing platform for wheelchair users 
11. Tactile maps with QR code 
12. Indian Sign Language (ISL) interpretation along with the priest 
13. Along with these, there are trained volunteers to support, as they understand disability etiquette and emergency protocol. 

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Belongs To Everyone 

With the above-described majors, many Pandals have included major points of the checklist, giving hope that soon every Pandal will become universally accessible. This year, “accessibility” being at the core stands for what festivals meant in Indian culture: joy and belonging. The SOP reminds people and committees that “Durga Puja is Sarbojanin Pujo”, meaning “it belongs to everyone”.