Delhi-NCR Durga Puja pandals add tactile idols, ramps and quiet rooms

Akansha, 19, touched a replica of Goddess Durga, listened to an audio narration and engaged more closely with rituals at a Delhi-NCR pandal this Durga Puja. “I felt Durga Maa. It was a really great experience,” said Akansha, who is visually impaired.

Participating pandals are adding levelled routes from entrances or drop-off points to the idols, ramps where ground levels change, Braille signage, seating, quiet rooms and designated quiet hours. Tactile replicas of the idol are paired with QR codes that open an audio-visual narration.

Svayam began the initiative in 2025 with Durga Puja organisers including UNESCO Sarbojanin Durga Puja Society, Timarpur and Civil Lines Puja Samity, and Durgotsab GK 2. It is intended for people with disabilities and for visitors with temporary or age-related mobility needs.

Quiet rooms offer a place away from loud sound, bright lights and crowds. Organisers have also included programmes featuring visually impaired schoolchildren and an autistic band, while volunteers are receiving accessibility sensitisation sessions.