IAC:Puja Parikrama

Durga Puja symbolises the triumph of good over evil. It celebrates goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo demon - Mahishasur.

As families come together to honour the goddess - these 5 days create a sense of belonging, community spirit and make it a joyful time for all.

This Durga Puja, the India Autism Center (IAC) organised a heartwarming event in collaboration with Kolkata’s renowned special schools—Ridhi, Sanchaar, and Pradeep. This initiative's goal was to make neurodiverse children feel a part of the larger community.

The IAC Durga Puja Parikrama was filled with vibrant colours, sparkling lights, and beautiful murals of the Goddess.

Breaking down barriers

A puja parikrama is a guided tour of different pandals and celebrations around the city.

The IAC parikrama served as a powerful curtain raiser because it challenged the perceptions that often separate “normal” individuals from those labelled as “abnormal.”

When the neurotypical pandal hopping crowd saw 70 neurodiverse individuals participate in the parikrama, they learnt a fundamental truth: neurodiverse and neurotypical families share the same joys, struggles, and experiences beyond societal labels. At the end of the day, we are all human beings deserving of respect and love.

The spirit of togetherness and community

The parikrama brought together neurodiverse individuals, ranging from ages 5 to 50, primarily from West Bengal. Parents and caregivers came from various professional backgrounds—teachers, engineers, shopkeepers, and artists.

The families were joined by an enthusiastic group of dedicated staff members and volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the experience inclusive and memorable. They offered a platform for different families to connect, share experiences, and form friendships in an inclusive environment.

Initially, we were worried that the neurodiverse individuals might be triggered by sensory overload in a crowd of thousands. But that wasn’t the case at all!

The atmosphere was designed with better accessibility, improved coordination by the pandal organisers, and heightened sensitivity toward neurodiverse needs. We also had assistants and help at every step of the way in case any individual needed emotional or physical support. All in all, the organisers ensured that participants felt comfortable and welcomed without the usual stares and misunderstandings.

It was a space where the neurodiverse individuals could truly let loose and enjoy themselves.

Painting memories with colours of joy

As the day progressed, the lively colours of the pandals reflected the spirit of the parikrama participants. The adults of the group remembered the beauty and joy of their childhood experiences.

Laughter and happiness filled the air as families enjoyed the festivities together, creating cherished memories. The children basked in the warmth of Kolkata's celebrations. They felt included and valued.

By uniting families from various backgrounds, IAC demonstrated how inclusivity is a shared responsibility that benefits the entire society.

Creating a brighter future

As we reflect on the success of the IAC Durga Puja Parikrama, we are inspired by the potential for love, acceptance, and community to create lasting change.

The initiative has set a standard for future events, encouraging others to cultivate inclusive spaces that welcome everyone, regardless of their abilities. By creating connections and breaking down stereotypes, we can build a better future for all children. Our aim is to ensure they feel seen, heard, and valued in our society.

Celebrating diversity serves as a powerful reminder that every individual has something unique to contribute. Together, we can create a peaceful and inclusive world.

Conclusion

The IAC Durga Puja Parikrama exemplifies how festivals are a great way to unite people and promote inclusivity.

Just like each pandal has a unique story and plays an important role in our community, each one of us have unique backgrounds, individual strengths, and play an equally important role in our society.

This event was not a day-long celebration of inclusivity. It was a reminder to celebrate inclusivity throughout our lives. So, let’s put aside our differences and celebrate what makes each of us special. Let’s create a world where everyone feels welcome, and where each one of us channels Durga’s ma’s energy to wipe out harmful stereotypes from the society.