Kolkata’s Durga Puja: Special Tour for Autistic Individuals Across 24 Iconic Pandals

Fast Summary:

• India Autism Center and MassArt are facilitating involvement of autistic individuals in Kolkata’s Durga Puja celebrations.
• Teh initiative includes pre-crowd tours of 24 pandals from September 18 to 22, focusing on accessibility and inclusivity for autism spectrum individuals.
• Prominent pandals involved include Hatibagan, Kashi Bose Lane, Hindusthan Park, Behala Friends, Barisha Club, Tridhara Akalbodhon, among others.
• This effort creates sensory-safe zones and barrier-free pathways for psychological comfort and ease of movement.
• Volunteers trained by psychologists will ensure smoother experiences for autistic participants between ages five to thirty-five years.
• Durga puja has garnered heightened cultural attention since being added to UNESCO’s heritage list in 2021.

indian opinion analysis:
This collaborative initiative highlights growing efforts toward inclusivity during major public festivals in India while balancing tradition with societal empathy. It addresses key challenges like sensory overload and stigma by creating tailored environments for autistic individuals-an essential step toward larger acceptance for the differently abled within Indian society.Beyond its psychological benefits, this approach can serve as a blueprint for other significant community events nationwide to build accessibility standards catering to diverse needs without diluting cultural grandeur.

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