New Delhi, October 03, 2025: Svayam, India’s leading accessibility organisation, in association with the Pandara Road Puja Committee, UN India, and UNESCO, has introduced accessibility features at the iconic Pandara Road Durga Puja pandal to ensure inclusive celebrations for persons with disabilities, older adults, and families.
The pandal, inaugurated on September 28 in the presence of Delhi Chief Minister Ms. Rekha Gupta, Ms. Sminu Jindal, Founder–Chairperson of Svayam, and Ms. Radhika Kaul Batra, Head of Office, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO), now includes ramp access for Pushpanjali, sign language support, colour-contrasted step edges, and an accessible medical room and dining area. Work is ongoing to provide accessible washrooms and Braille signage for visually impaired visitors.
The initiative aligns with the recently launched Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Enhancing Universal Accessibility during Cultural Festival 2025 Edition: Durga Puja in Kolkata, developed by IIT Kharagpur in consultation with disability rights organisations, including Svayam, and implemented across 24 pandals in Kolkata. The Hindi version of the SOP was also released at the Pandara Road event.
Ms. Radhika Paul Batra, Head of Office, UNRCO, said, “Culture and heritage belong to everyone. By making Durga Puja accessible to persons with disabilities, older adults, and others with access needs, we are turning the principle of ‘leave no one behind’ into concrete action. Through this initiative, UN India and UNESCO are demonstrating that accessibility is not only a legal and moral imperative, but also a way to enrich cultural traditions, ensuring they remain vibrant and welcoming for generations to come.”
Ms. Sminu Jindal, Founder–Chairperson of Svayam, added, “Accessibility is an equaliser. It transforms public spaces into welcoming environments where every individual can participate without barriers. Festivals are about belonging, and dignity lies at the heart of belonging. This collaboration reaffirms Svayam’s vision of inclusive celebrations across India.”
Dr. Gautam Bose, President, Pandara Road Durga Puja Committee, stated, “The highlight of our 70th year celebration this year is the implementation of the Accessibility SOP. We have always had special arrangements for the differently-abled and the elderly, but with this association we have further enhanced these features. We are honoured to have the UNESCO SOP launched at our Durga Puja.”
With the accessibility features at Pandara Road and SOP implementation in Kolkata, Svayam and its partners aim to set a model for barrier-free, inclusive cultural events across India.
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