The festive atmosphere of Sharadiya Navratri is widespread across India, with the city of Ranchi, Jharkhand, presenting unique Durga Puja pandals. While various creative themes are being showcased, a particular pandal in Ranchi has gained attention due to its design that draws inspiration from Vatican City. The Bharatiya Yuvak Sangh in Bakri Bazaar has erected a grand pandal that replicates the famous Angkor Wat temple of Cambodia. Additionally, multiple other pandals are under construction in the city, with the Panch Mandir Durga Puja Samiti in Harmu building a replica of Vrindavan’s Prem Mandir. Furthermore, the puja committee at Ratu Road is constructing a pandal modeled after the Vatican City church in Rome, Italy. This specific pandal, however, has become a source of contention even before its inauguration.
Why the Controversy Around the Pandal?
The Durga Puja pandal in Ranchi, inspired by the Vatican City church, has led to criticism from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). Vinod Bansal, the national spokesperson for the VHP, voiced his objections on the social media platform X. His post included videos displaying the pandal’s exterior and interior, with a caption questioning the alleged manipulation of religious sentiments of Hindus. Bansal suggested that the pandal, under the leadership of JMM leader Vicky Yadav, has transformed into a platform for religious conversion, with the RR Sporting Club of Ratu Road effectively recreating the entire Vatican City for the installation of the Durga idol.
VHP Leader’s Concerns
The pandal’s design, which mirrors the Vatican City church in Rome, incorporates representations of Christian religious figures and symbols, including the cross. These elements have triggered the VHP’s objections, which were expressed by Vinod Bansal, who shared a video of the Durga Puja pandal designed in the style of a church.
Investment and Modifications
The RR Sporting Club, located on Ratu Road, is investing approximately 70 lakh rupees in the construction of the Vatican City-themed pandal. Following the onset of controversy, the RR Durga Puja Samiti decided to remove certain elements of the pandal’s design that had drawn objections from Hindu organizations. This action aims to prevent any offense to the sentiments of the devotees during the Durga Puja celebrations.