Ghaziabad: A Durga Puja committee in Vaishali has made accessibility the theme of its 21st celebration, with reserved viewing spaces and wheelchair assistance for persons with disabilities and senior citizens.Sarbojanin Shri Shri Kali Puja Samiti (SSSKPS) began its puja at Rachna Park in Sector 3-A on Friday under the theme “Sarbojonin Pujo”, or a festival for everyone. In earlier years, the pandal was not wheelchair accessible, and persons with disabilities and senior citizens struggled to get a clear view of the Durga idol or reach the front for darshan.“We want everyone to enjoy the puja with dignity, without any discrimination,” said cultural secretary Somanath Das, explaining the idea behind the theme.Para powerlifter Rajkumari, an Asian Games bronze medallist who inaugurated the puja, said such efforts address a gap that often keeps persons with disabilities from public events.“In India, most places are not disabled-friendly, unlike in other countries. You feel more disabled because of the lack of infrastructure,” she said. “It’s particularly difficult to be a wheelchair user because most places lack ramps.”
Para powerlifter Rajkumari at the pandal
She added that the absence of basic facilities often forces people with disabilities to miss out on social gatherings. “We want to feel included too. I have seen friends skipping out on fun because there are no ramps for wheelchair users,” she said.Kumari welcomed the committee’s effort and urged the govt to extend the approach beyond festivals. “It’s great to see events including this kind of infrastructure,” she said. “I want the Indian govt to ensure every public space is disabled-friendly.”The initiative was inspired by UNESCO’s campaign to make festivals more accessible. Its guidelines emphasise not just barrier-free infrastructure, such as ramps and accessible pathways, but also inclusive programming, emergency preparedness, trained volunteers and a change in public attitudes towards disability.Somanath said the committee had considered installing ramps and rails, but practical constraints meant it could not address every accessibility concern. The aim, he said, was to make the space as accessible as possible and encourage people to think differently about inclusion.“Durga Puja is a festival because we enjoy it. It goes beyond rituals,” he said, adding that inclusiveness was its main essence. The committee hopes the initiative will send a wider message about acceptance and the need to ensure everyone can participate in community celebrations.
Para powerlifter Rajkumari at the pandal
The theme builds on the committee’s earlier social initiatives. Last year, its focus was women’s empowerment. This year, it has extended financial assistance of Rs 21,000 to Anandamayee Mental Disability and Handicapped Society in Kolkata, which works for the welfare of children with special needs.The committee also describes its idea of inclusion as extending across religious lines. Somanath said members of different faiths are part of the organising team. Singer Runa Hussain is scheduled to perform on Navami as part of the cultural programme.The celebrations include community welfare activities, with a health check-up camp and a dental camp on Sunday and free distribution of spectacles by a local shop. Daily pujas and rituals will continue throughout the festival. The one-day Anandomela will feature traditional Bengali dishes prepared by members’ families, offering visitors home-cooked fare alongside the cultural programme.
