8100760250
8100760251
Sumaang Child Development Centre arranged a safe and inclusive Durga Puja outing for autistic children and children with related neurodevelopmental delays at Kalyani ITI More on 14th October, Choturthi. This visit was organised in an effort to include everyone in a shared cultural celebration.
One of the biggest challenges of large-scale Durga Puja celebrations across West Bengal has always been crowds. In addition, loud sounds and bright lights can often lead to sensory overload and meltdowns in some autistic children. The overwhelming nature of pandal-hopping can make it difficult for these children to participate in the festivities. Recent news of stampede has further highlighted how major pandals can become inaccessible to many. Parents' concerns are heightened by images of huge crowds gathering at various locations across the state.
Sumaang brings a safe Pujo to children
For parents, concerns about safety can overshadow the joy of the festivities. They need to ensure that their children are not overwhelmed by the environment. Facilitating a safe outing can therefore be challenging. Sumaang made Durga Puja a little more accessible this year by organising a guided visit. A team of volunteers arranged for the children and their parents to walk to the Kalyani ITI More pandal in the morning, before the crowds usually began to gather. The Puja committee also helped ensure that the children could gather on the grounds without external interference.
Kalyani ITI More Durga Pujo 2026
Accompanied by the Puja committee, the children were guided into the pandal, where they offered their prayers to the goddess. This shared cultural experience brought them one step closer to the spirit of the festivities. One parent present at the event said, “We feel very happy that Sumaang has brought our children in front of Maa.” The Sumaang team helped make Durga Puja more accessible this year, demonstrating how small steps can contribute to making the festivities more inclusive.