As the auspicious occasion of Sharad Navratri approaches and the revered Goddess Durga is welcomed, the entire nation is steeped in devotion. In Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, a diverse array of unique and innovative Durga Puja pandals are being erected. Ranchi is thus recognized for hosting some of the finest and most elaborate Durga Puja celebrations in the country. The Bharatiya Yuvak Sangh in Bakri Bazar, Ranchi, has built a grand Durga Puja pandal inspired by the world-famous Angkor Wat temple of Cambodia.
Impressive puja pandals are being built at different locations in Ranchi. The Panch Mandir Durga Puja Samiti in Harmu has recreated the Prem Mandir of Vrindavan. On the other hand, the puja committee in Ratu Road, Ranchi, has constructed a Durga Puja pandal modeled after the church in Vatican City, Rome, Italy, a design that has ignited controversy even before the inauguration.
What caused the controversy surrounding the pandal?
The Durga Puja pandal in Ranchi is styled after the church in Vatican City, Rome, Italy. This has drawn criticism from the National Spokesperson of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Vinod Bansal, who voiced his objections on social media platform X. His post included videos showcasing both the exterior and interior of the pandal, along with a commentary on how the government appears to be manipulating the faith, beliefs, and religious sentiments of Hindus. Bansal alleged that the Durga Puja pandal, led by JMM leader Vicky Yadav, had become a site for religious conversions, with the RR Sporting Club in Ratu Road, Ranchi, essentially replicating the entire Vatican City for the installation of the Durga idol.
VHP leader raises objection
The pandal’s construction, both inside and out, closely mimics the church in Vatican City, a religious center for Christians in Rome, Italy. Inside, there are pictures of Catholic religious leaders, while the exterior depicts people holding crosses, a symbol of the Christian faith. These elements have triggered considerable controversy. Vinod Bansal, the VHP’s national spokesperson, posted a video of the Durga Puja pandal, which is made to resemble a church, on social media, expressing his disapproval.
Costing 70 lakh rupees to build
The RR Sporting Club in Ratu Road, Ranchi, has invested approximately 70 lakh rupees in constructing a Durga Puja pandal inspired by the church in Vatican City, Rome, Italy. However, this pandal has become a subject of dispute prior to its inauguration for devotees.
In response to the growing controversy surrounding the design of the pandal, the RR Durga Puja Samiti has removed those elements that were objected to by Hindu organizations, in order to ensure that the sentiments of the devotees visiting during Durga Puja are not hurt.