18 September,2026 08:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble
A visually impaired devotee touches a Ganesha idol’s trunk to interpret the designs at a Girgaon pandal. PICS COURTESY/TEAM VISION
The ultimate, most sacred stroke in painting a Ganesha idol is the âaakhni'. The artisan skillfully paints the eyes, and in doing so, breathes life into the idol. It is said to be the moment Ganesha first witnesses his devotees. This Sunday in Girgaon, those eyes will behold and bless nearly 40 visually impaired devotees who will set out on a pandal hopping tour.
A Braille panel at the 2025 Girgaoncha Girijatmaj helped visitors read mantras
Led by Team Vision Foundation in collaboration with the Blind Who Trek community, a group accompanied by trained volunteers will explore nearly 15 pandals through touch, stories, and verbal descriptions. The trail includes Girgaoncha Vakratunda, Girgaoncha Raja, Khotachiwadi, and the Keshavji Naik Chawl. While pandals were initially hesitant about hosting the group, many of them have come around and even made accommodations like Braille panels, we learn.
Visually impaired visitors experience the décor through touch
"The idea was born out of a simple belief: A visually impaired individual should be able to experience the fervour, excitement, and festivities of Mumbai's Ganeshotsav just the way the rest of the city does," say founders Sandesh Bhingarde and Siddesh Nayak. Beauty, after all, might not be only in the eyes of the beholder.
Log on to: @team.vision and @blindwhotrek for all details
>> Audio description: Volunteers will share detailed verbal descriptions of the size, thematic style, and ornamentation of the Ganesha idols. How many hands the idol has, what Ganesha holds in each of them, his facial expressions, are all explained to the participants.
A group of visually impaired devotees and volunteers at a Ganesh pandal in Girgaon during the 2025 pandal hop
>> Tactile exploration: Multiple mandals have allowed the group to touch elements of the décor. The group will run their fingers on installations, and the idol (in cases where the idol is accessible) to evoke a mental image.
While fully accessible pandals remain a distant hope, Sandesh Bhingarde shares how mandals can take the first step
>> Clear paths: Ensure the entry and exit points of the pandal are clear of any obstacles.
>> Mobility aids: Install ramps and railings for visitors with physical disabilities. Wheelchairs must be kept handy.
>> Braille panels: Incorporate Braille instructions and information panels at important spots
>> All inclusive: I grew up in Kolkata, where Durga Puja is a huge part of life. I used to enjoy visiting pandals, meeting people, and experiencing a part of the city's culture together. When I came to Mumbai, I wanted to experience Ganesh Chaturthi in the same way. However, I soon realised that many such public celebrations were not designed with persons with disabilities in mind.
Such an initiative can create a ripple effect. When people visiting these pandals see persons with disabilities participating and realise that accessibility is being included, it can encourage them to think differently. The next time they organise a community celebration, they may also think about whether it is accessible to everyone.
Rashmi Maruvada, Chembur
>> Room for everyone: The massive crowds of devotees gathering for darshan during the festival, combined with our inability to see, can make navigating these busy areas and viewing the idols difficult. The early morning pandal-hop last year was a memorable one. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that one of the mandals had adopted Braille panels and eco-friendly policies.
Nikhil Bhalerao, Tardeo
