Registration

CraftSocially Sharad Samman 2025

Celebrating Elderly Inclusive & Creative Durga Puja

A joint-initiative by medicalWisdom & CraftSocially
Sponsored by Technicise Software & Technologies Pvt Ltd

Durga Puja, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, this world's largest public art festival transcends generations and social boundaries, connecting people from all walks of life.

Since 2021, Technicise Software & Technologies Pvt Ltd present the CraftSocially Sharad Samman (a joint-initiative by medicalWisdom and CraftSocially) to recognize and honour the exceptional puja committees whose creative expression, inclusive initiatives, and community-oriented practices set them apart. This award is not only about artistry, sustainability, and heritage, but also about creating elder-friendly arrangements — such as seating spaces, barrier-free access, medical support, and volunteer assistance — so that senior citizens too can enjoy a safe and comfortable pandal-hopping experience.

At its fifth year of the recognition initiative, the key requirement for consideration in CraftSocially Sharad Samman 2025, an elderly inclusive Durga Puja initiative, will be the provision of assistance to elders for visiting pandals. Committees are encouraged to make special arrangements like:

  • Designated help desks
  • Guided support by volunteers
  • Priority entry lanes including ramps
  • Transport facilities where possible

By honouring these thoughtful initiatives, CraftSocially aims to encourage puja committees to create a festival space where heritage meets inclusivity, ensuring Durga Puja remains a joyous celebration for all.

Rules & Regulations for registration

1. Eligibility

  • Only Community (Baroari) or domestic (Bonedi) Puja Committees are eligible to apply.

2. Application Procedure (Only Online Applications through the provided link):

  • Applicants must submit a Road Map and a Brief Write-up of the Puja containing contact person name, contact, theme, artist name and facilities for elder friendly entries along with the application form.
  • Duly filled in application form along with requisite documents for Puja Committees of Kolkata & the surroundings should be submitted at https://forms.gle/DWYQruiiup9rViVu9
  • Incomplete or improperly filled forms will be rejected.
  • Deadline for the online application is till 25th September, 2025 (Thursday).

4. Jury Evaluation

  • CraftSocially Sharod Samman 2025 Jury will visit the Puja Pandals from 18th September to 1st October, 2025 at any time, once or multiple times.
  • Jury members may verify necessary permissions from concerned authorities.
  • All decisions of the Jury shall be final, and no correspondence will be entertained.

5. Compliance

  • As an important parameter, Elder Friendly entries, wheelchairs and elderly care facilities is prerequisite criteria to participate in the competition.
  • The Puja committee must arrange for Elder Friendly entries and assistance by 2-3 club members; during the pandal visiting hours.
  • All participating Puja Committees must comply with Rules and regulations of statutory authorities.

6. Branding & Visibility

  • CraftSocially Sharod Samman 2025 flexes will be provided to the puja organizing committees; which must be prominently displayed at the Puja premises till the end of the festival.

7. Fees

  • There is NO ENTRY FEE for participating in this competition.