In the heart of Ranchi, Jharkhand, the Gorkha community, particularly the Jharkhand Armed Force One (JAP-1), performs a Durga Puja that stands apart from the rest. This unique tradition, which began in 1880, is a fusion of faith, military honor, and community spirit.
Instead of an idol, a kalash serves as the focal point of worship. The festivities begin with a spirited gun salute to Maa Durga by the JAP-1 soldiers, a salute that both honors the goddess and is believed to empower their weaponry and enhance their confidence. This ritual is a display of the soldiers’ respect and their belief in the divine protection.
A significant element of this unique Puja is the sacrifice of 101 goats on Mahanavami, the ninth day of Navratri. Each sacrifice is accompanied by a gun salute, underscoring the valor and reverence of the Gorkha soldiers.
On the day of Mahasaptami, the Phool Pati procession takes place, in which branches from nine diverse trees are gathered and revered. The Gorkha soldiers and their families renew their commitment to protecting nature and maintaining a balanced environment.
The Mahanavami celebrations also include a special puja where the Gorkha soldiers place their weapons before Maa Durga, seeking blessings. Subsequently, the 101 goats are sacrificed, each sacrifice marked by the distinctive gun salute, a testament to the soldiers’ deep devotion and martial traditions.