Jagriti Dham: Making Durga Puja More Inclusive for Bengaluru’s Senior Citizens

In a heartwarming initiative, Jagriti Dham, one of the best old age homes in Kolkata, has joined hands with several Bengaluru’s largest Durga Puja associations to make this year’s celebrations more inclusive for senior citizens. With over 200 Durga Puja pandals set up across the city, Jagriti Dham’s efforts have ensured that the elderly community can fully participate in the festive spirit.

Senior-Friendly Spaces

Jagriti Dham, regarded as the Best Old Age Home in Kolkata, took a proactive approach to ensure that senior citizens could fully participate in the Durga Puja festivities in Bengaluru. The organisation established dedicated stalls, senior citizen pavilions, and helpline numbers at multiple pandals across the city. These facilities provided elderly attendees with a comfortable and inclusive environment to relax, socialise, and enjoy the celebrations without any hassle.

One of the most notable collaborations was with the R.T. Nagar Socio-Cultural Trust (RTNS), whose pandal at Palace Ground attracted a massive crowd of nearly 100,000 visitors daily. Recognising the unique needs of senior citizens, Jagriti Dham set up a dedicated senior citizen pavilion within the venue. This pavilion featured a variety of amenities designed to enhance the experience for the elderly.

The pavilion included selfie zones, where seniors could capture memorable moments with their loved ones. Additionally, “adda” corners were created to facilitate engaging conversations and social interactions among the attendees. Game zones were also set up, offering a variety of activities to keep the elderly entertained and active.

By providing these facilities, Jagriti Dham ensured that senior citizens had a comfortable and enjoyable experience at the Durga Puja celebrations. The initiative offered a much-needed respite from the crowds, allowing elderly attendees to relax, socialise, and fully immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere.

Enhancing the Festive Experience

Jagriti Dham’s involvement in the Durga Puja celebrations in Bengaluru went far beyond providing physical facilities for senior citizens. The team played a pivotal role in organizing special engagements and activities at various pandals across the city.

• At the East Bengaluru Cultural Association Durga Puja, the Battle of Dhakis, a thrilling competition featuring skilled drummers, was organized on Navami night. This event entertained the attendees and showcased the rich cultural heritage of Bengal.
• In addition, Jagriti Dham organized a Citizenship Award ceremony to recognise individuals for their outstanding contributions to society. This event honoured individuals who had made a significant impact on their communities and served as an inspiration to others.
• Furthermore, Jagriti Dham recognised the efforts of the Puja Committees by presenting them with special recognitions and certificates. This gesture acknowledged their hard work and dedication in making the Durga Puja celebrations a success.

Through these initiatives, Jagriti Dham, one of the top-rated homes for senior citizens from Kolkata, demonstrated its commitment to not only providing a comfortable and inclusive environment for senior citizens but also contributing to the cultural and community development of Bengaluru. The organisation’s involvement in the Durga Puja celebrations showcased its dedication to creating a vibrant and enriching experience for all.

Promoting Happy and Healthy Aging

The collaborations with Prestige Park View RWA and the Durga Puja Committee at Jalahalli East have also focused on raising awareness about elder care and promoting sensitivity towards the elderly by highlighting the challenges faced by them and the measures that can be taken to support them. Through these collaborations, Jagriti Dham has ensured that the Durga Puja celebrations are not just about fun and festivities but also about fostering a sense of community and well-being among the elderly population. By raising awareness about elder care and promoting sensitivity towards the elderly, Jagriti Dham has contributed to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for senior citizens in Bengaluru.

Aninda Das, Vice President – Marketing at Infinity Group, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, “Jagriti Dham aims to provide a worry-free experience for the elderly parents of working professionals who are based in Bengaluru. Our luxurious elder care facilities and Ayurvedic center offer a comfortable and nurturing environment for seniors.”

Conclusion

Jagriti Dham’s partnership with Bengaluru’s Durga Puja associations has set a commendable example of how festivals can be made more inclusive and enjoyable for all. As one of the best old age homes in Kolkata, they were able to create senior-friendly spaces and organise special events for the elderly. The organisation has demonstrated its commitment to promoting care and sensitivity towards the elderly. As Bengaluru’s Bengali community came together to celebrate Durga Puja, Jagriti Dham’s initiatives served as a shining beacon of hope, reminding the importance of embracing and celebrating diversity, including age.