Create Sensory-Friendly Hindu Celebrations: Onam and Tamil New Year

Making Tradition Accessible for All

Regional Hindu Festivals like Onam and Tamil New Year bring communities together to honor tradition, celebrate cultural values, and embrace shared experiences. However, for individuals with sensory sensitivities or sensory processing disorders, these vibrant and often overwhelming celebrations can pose challenges. This blog, inspired and guided by the expertise of Myurika Sithamparanathan, an Honours Bachelor of Science and Master of Health Informatics graduate from the University of Toronto, explores strategies to make these celebrations sensory-friendly, fostering inclusivity and accessibility for all participants.

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Why Sensory-Friendly Hindu Celebrations Are Essential

Traditional Hindu celebrations often include bright lights, loud music, crowded gatherings, and rich aromas, all of which can overwhelm those with sensory sensitivities. Implementing sensory-friendly adaptations ensures these celebrations remain inclusive, allowing individuals to participate comfortably and meaningfully without compromising the spirit of the festivities.

With over 1.2 billion Hindus worldwide, Hinduism is the third-largest religion, celebrated across diverse regions and cultures. Offering sensory-friendly Hindu celebrations is essential to ensure inclusivity, allowing individuals with sensory sensitivities or sensory processing challenges to participate comfortably. By adopting sensory-friendly practices, we honor the rich traditions of Hindu festivals while creating welcoming environments for everyone to celebrate and connect.

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Sensory-Friendly Onam Strategies

Unite in Smaller Groups

Onam celebrations often involve large community gatherings, which can be overwhelming. To create a sensory-friendly environment:

• Limit the number of attendees.
• Host smaller gatherings or stagger the timing of events.
• Offer multiple time slots for contests and activities to reduce crowding.

Promote the Celebration as Sensory-Friendly

Clearly communicate any sensory-friendly measures in advance. Use posters, social media, or invitations to let attendees know what to expect. Encourage open communication for feedback and additional suggestions to improve accessibility and inclusion.

Create a Quiet Zone

Designate a quiet zone where participants can take breaks if they feel overwhelmed. Include:

• Noise-cancelling headphones and fidgets.
• Dim lighting and calm music.
• Comfortable seating and snacks.
• Access to water and sensory tools like weighted lap pads.

Avoid Bright Lights and Loud Sounds

Minimize sensory triggers by:

• Using soft lighting instead of bright or flashing lights.
• Reducing the volume of music and other sounds.
• Providing noise-cancelling headphones for those who need them.

Have Trained Staff On-Site

Ensure trained staff are available to assist attendees with sensory needs. Provide them with sensory tools and clearly identify them (e.g., uniforms, badges) so attendees know who to approach for help.

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Sensory-Friendly Tamil New Year Strategies

Tamil New Year, also known as Puthandu, is celebrated annually around April 14th and marks the beginning of a fresh year filled with hope for growth and happiness. Originally observed by Hindus in Sri Lanka and India, Tamil New Year is now celebrated worldwide by Tamil communities in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The festivities often include temple visits, devotional singing, prayer, and traditional music and dance. While rooted in religious significance, the celebration is also a time for families to come together and strengthen their bonds. However, the vibrant and sensory-rich nature of the festival can be overwhelming for some. Adopting sensory-friendly practices ensures that Tamil New Year can be a joyous and inclusive experience for everyone.

Offer a Sensory-Friendly Prayer Environment

Temples play a central role in Tamil New Year celebrations, often hosting midnight prayers. To create a sensory-friendly space:

• Dim bright lights and reduce decorative elements.
• Provide noise-cancelling earmuffs during devotional music or traditional instrument performances.
• Offer quieter spaces for families to pray.
• Learn more about sensory-friendly environments in our blog: What Is a Sensory-Friendly Environment?

Have a Chill Zone

Set aside a dedicated chill zone within or near the temple with features such as:

• Yoga mats and calming activities.
• Dim lighting and soft seating.
• Sensory tools like fidgets or weighted lap pads.

Inform Devotees About the Changes

Notify attendees of the sensory-friendly adaptations, including:

• Signage for quiet zones.
• Printed materials explaining changes and their benefits.
• Announcements at the start of prayer sessions.

Provide Accessible Toilets

Ensure facilities are easy to access and meet sensory-friendly standards:

• Avoid fluorescent lighting.
• Install grab bars and ensure wheelchair accessibility.
• Use hand towels instead of noisy dryers.

Encourage Smaller Gatherings

Limit the size of gatherings at home or in temples. Inform guests in advance about changes, such as subdued celebrations or quiet areas within your home.

Practical Tips for a Sensory-Friendly Tamil New Year

Bring Food and Beverages with You

Celebrations can be long, and no one wants to feel hungry or thirsty during the festivities. Plan ahead by preparing meals or snacks in advance. If your day is short, a light snack may suffice, but for longer celebrations, pack a full meal to keep your energy up. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Visit the Temple During Less Busy Times

Temples are often most crowded during the midnight prayer service at the start of Tamil New Year. To avoid overwhelming crowds, consider visiting the temple at a quieter time. If you’re unsure when that might be, call ahead to ask for recommendations on less busy hours to ensure a more comfortable visit.

Find a Quiet Place to Watch Fireworks

Fireworks are a vibrant part of Tamil New Year celebrations, but the loud noises and bright flashes can be overstimulating. Opt for watching the fireworks from a distance, where you can enjoy the display while minimizing sensory overload. For additional tips, explore sensory-friendly solutions specifically for fireworks.

Carry Sensory-Friendly Tools

Everyone’s sensory needs are unique, and having tools to manage sensory input can make a big difference. Bring along items like noise-cancelling earmuffs, fidgets, or a weighted lap pad to help you feel more comfortable during the celebrations.

Invite Fewer Guests to Your Home

Large gatherings can be overwhelming, especially for those with sensory sensitivities. Instead of attending large events or visiting other people’s homes, consider hosting a small gathering with a few close friends or family members. Communicate with your guests in advance about any adjustments you’re making, such as creating a quiet space or keeping the celebration more subdued.

These thoughtful strategies ensure Tamil New Year can be an enjoyable and inclusive celebration for everyone, regardless of their sensory needs.

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FAQs about Sensory-Friendly Hindu Celebrations

1. Why is it important to offer sensory-friendly Hindu celebrations?

Sensory-friendly celebrations create inclusive spaces, allowing everyone, including those with sensory sensitivities, to participate and celebrate comfortably. Looking for other ideas for Hindu traditions? Check out our blogs:

• Sensory-Friendly Strategies for Hindu Festivals: Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, and Holi
• How to Make Temple Visits Sensory-Friendly

2. How can sensory-friendly adaptations maintain cultural authenticity?

Small changes, like reducing noise or providing quiet zones, honor traditions while ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.

3. Can sensory-friendly strategies benefit families?

Yes! These adaptations reduce stress for families and caregivers, enabling them to enjoy the celebration without worry.

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Sensory Friendly Solutions: Here to Help You

At Sensory Friendly Solutions, we’re dedicated to making cultural and community events inclusive for everyone. To help you create sensory-friendly Hindu celebrations, you can access courses and resources with our All Access Training, where you’ll gain access to:

• Sensory Friendly 101 and industry-specific courses.
• A library of 20+ resources, guides, and checklists for sensory-friendly initiatives.