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Kanishka Naresh Singh

Identity in the Crowd

Theme: Culture · Community · Child Safety · Crowd Behaviour · Environmental Response

This project explores how design can support children during Chhath Puja, one of India’s most crowded and emotionally charged festivals. The work combines cultural understanding, environmental awareness, and behavioural insights to create a safety intervention that blends seamlessly into the ritual landscape.

(06)
Patna, India
Tool Kit Design
2025

Understanding the cultural and environmental context of Chhath Puja revealed a dynamic, intense setting shaped by dense crowds, constant ritual movement, emotional devotion, limited visibility, and unpredictable flows of people. Through field visits, conversations, and careful observation, I studied how children, parents, and the larger crowd interact in this environment, where faith and movement intertwine. A clear pattern emerged: children often wandered out of curiosity while parents were absorbed in rituals, making the environment overwhelming and leading to moments of separation.

This insight defined the project’s direction to design a simple, culturally sensitive, child-friendly solution that enhances visibility, strengthens identity, and supports help-seeking during the festival.

Understanding the cultural and environmental context of Chhath Puja revealed a dynamic, intense setting shaped by dense crowds, constant ritual movement, emotional devotion, limited visibility, and unpredictable flows of people. Through field visits, conversations, and careful observation, I studied how children, parents, and the larger crowd interact in this environment, where faith and movement intertwine. A clear pattern emerged: children often wandered out of curiosity while parents were absorbed in rituals, making the environment overwhelming and leading to moments of separation. This insight defined the project’s direction to design a simple, culturally sensitive, child-friendly solution that enhances visibility, strengthens identity, and supports help-seeking during the festival.

The final outcome reflects my intention to create something simple, genuine, and quietly impactful
an object that blends into the festival without disturbing its spirit, yet offers safety where it is needed the most.

The final outcome reflects my intention to create something simple, genuine, and quietly impactful an object that blends into the festival without disturbing its spirit, yet offers safety where it is needed the most.

The concept evolved around creating an object that children would enjoy carrying, something playful and integrated into the festival experience, rather than a separate safety device. Early explorations included the Chhath Identity Kit, a small activity-based set with colouring sheets, stickers, and a customised ID card. While it engaged children and connected them to the festival, the box format proved impractical in a moving crowd. A wearable, child-friendly bag followed, incorporating similar items along with a water bottle and whistle. Families appreciated the idea, but the bag was too heavy for younger children, and the non-adjustable strap limited comfort and usability. These insights guided the design toward a solution that was lighter, more visible, and adaptable to children’s needs in the bustling festival environment.

The concept evolved around creating an object that children would enjoy carrying, something playful and integrated into the festival experience, rather than a separate safety device. Early explorations included the Chhath Identity Kit, a small activity-based set with colouring sheets, stickers, and a customised ID card. While it engaged children and connected them to the festival, the box format proved impractical in a moving crowd. A wearable, child-friendly bag followed, incorporating similar items along with a water bottle and whistle. Families appreciated the idea, but the bag was too heavy for younger children, and the non-adjustable strap limited comfort and usability. These insights guided the design toward a solution that was lighter, more visible, and adaptable to children’s needs in the bustling festival environment.

The final design, the Chhath Identity Bag, is a lightweight, child-friendly solution that functions as a safety tool, a comfort companion, and a cultural object. It features a securely attached ID card containing the child’s name, parents’ details, contact number, and home address, which can be carried even without the bag. A simple whistle, with the message “Whistle me when you feel lost,” encourages children to seek help immediately. Activity elements such as crayons and sheets keep children calm and engaged during waiting moments at the ghat, while a lightweight compartment accommodates small personal items without adding burden. An adjustable strap ensures a comfortable fit for children aged 3 to 12 and remains inclusive for those with memory challenges. Bright yellow cotton fabric was selected for comfort, cultural resonance, and high visibility, helping children remain easily noticeable in dense festival crowds.

Project Essence
"A simple bag that protects identity, supports children emotionally, and resonates with the colours and spirit of Chhath Puja making safety feel natural, personal, and culturally rooted."

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