Archana JyotiNew Delhi, Sept. 19 -- For years, 45-year-old Ravi Sharma, who lives with a locomotor disability, has longed to fully participate in the vibrant Durga Puja festivities. However, inaccessible venues, pandals, and infrastructure have consistently limited his ability to join the celebrations.
Now, thanks to new guidelines launched today by the United Nations in India and UNESCO, this is set to change-starting in West Bengal, where Durga Puja is celebrated with great fervor and pandals adorn the cityscape.
The newly unveiled 'Enhancing Universal Accessibility during Cultural Festival 2015 Edition Durga Puja in Kolkata' guidelines aim to make the iconic festival-which begins on September 28-more accessible and inclusive for all, i...