CraftSocially Sharod Samman 2026
Celebrating elderly inclusive and creative Durga Puja
A joint initiative by medicalWISDOM & CraftSocially
Sponsored by Technicise Software & Technologies Pvt Ltd
Durga Puja, recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is the world's largest public art festival. It transcends generations and social boundaries, connecting people from all walks of life.
Since 2021 the CraftSocially Sharod Samman has honoured puja committees whose creative expression, inclusive initiatives and community practices set them apart. The award is about artistry, sustainability and heritage, and equally about elder friendly arrangements: seating, barrier-free access, medical support and volunteer assistance, so that senior citizens can enjoy a safe and comfortable pandal visit.
The key requirement for consideration is the provision of assistance to elders for visiting the pandal. Committees are encouraged to arrange:
- Designated help desks
- Guided support by volunteers
- Priority entry lanes and ramps
- Wheelchairs and first aid at the pandal
- Transport facilities where possible
Registration is open
Last date:
Jury visits:
Registration takes about ten minutes. Keep a route map and a brief write-up of the puja ready to upload.
Register your puja committeeOnline applications only. There is no entry fee.
Rules and regulations
1. Eligibility
- Only community (Baroari) or domestic (Bonedi) puja committees of Kolkata and its surroundings are eligible to apply.
2. Application
- Applications are accepted online only, through the registration form linked above.
- Along with the form, applicants submit a route map and a brief write-up of the puja with the contact person, theme, artist and the elder friendly facilities provided.
- Incomplete or improperly filled forms are rejected.
- The last date for online applications is .
3. Compliance
- Elder friendly entries, wheelchairs and elderly care facilities are prerequisite criteria for participation.
- The committee must arrange elder friendly entry and assistance by two or three club members during pandal visiting hours.
- All participating committees must comply with the rules and regulations of the statutory authorities.
4. Jury evaluation
- The CraftSocially Sharod Samman jury visits the pandals , at any time, once or several times.
- Jury members may verify the necessary permissions from the concerned authorities.
- All decisions of the jury are final; no correspondence is entertained.
5. Branding and visibility
- CraftSocially Sharod Samman flexes are provided to the organising committees and must be displayed prominently at the puja premises until the end of the festival.
6. Fees
- There is no entry fee.