Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during the unveiling of Suruchi Sangho Durga Puja in Kolkata on Sunday. (Express Photo)With the Durga Puja celebrations growing in size and scale over the years, people often find it difficult to step out of their homes on Mahalaya as the streets stream with crowds eager to catch a glimpse of some of the most popular pandals.The excruciating rush often prevents the elderly, specially abled, autistic individuals, and pregnant women from experiencing the grandeur of this world-famous cultural extravaganza.To address this problem, MassArt, in collaboration with UNESCO, came up with the idea of Preview Shows in 2022. As part of the initiative, complimentary passes will be provided to those unable to be a part of jostling crowds but nevertheless wish to enjoy the festivities.With these passes, the pass holders can visit the 24 most popular pandals in Kolkata without having to face an overwhelming rush. The preview shows are scheduled between 6 pm and 4 am from September 18 to 22.The idea originated from a heartfelt plea. “For the past few years, I couldn’t visit pandals with my mother due to the excessive crowds. So we emailed UNESCO, requesting special access for the elderly and differently abled people. UNESCO responded positively and entrusted IIT Kharagpur with framing the guidelines for preview shows,” said MassArt secretary Dhrubajyoti Bose.“We must address psychological barriers by guiding people, ensuring clean public places, proper signages, and accessibility so that no one is left out,” said Haimanti Banerjee of the Department of Architecture and Regional Planning, IIT Kharagpur.And obtaining a preview pass entails a simple process.Those interested can visit the official website and fill in their details. If eligible, MassArt will send via email the digital pass containing detailed information, including an itinerary of pandals, maps, and a list of nearby restaurants for an immersive experience.Story continues below this adWith only a month to go for the festivities to start, the Durga Puja preview show has now become an eagerly awaited event.“By partnering with UNESCO the state government is ensuring that through the preview show, everyone can experience the grandeur of the festival. This initiative is not just about crowd management, but about making Durga Puja truly inclusive for one and all,” said Kaushik Basak, Special Commissioner, Department of Culture and Public Affairs.(Anisha Ghosh is an intern with The Indian Express)Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:durga puja