As India celebrates Sharadiya Navratri and anticipates the arrival of Goddess Durga, Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, is witnessing the creation of innovative and unique Durga Puja pandals. Among the many artistic themes, the city is hosting a Durga Puja pandal that has sparked debate due to its design inspired by Vatican City. The Bharatiya Yuvak Sangh of Bakri Bazaar has constructed a grand puja pandal mirroring the renowned Angkor Wat temple of Cambodia. In contrast, other puja committees are constructing pandals with distinctive themes. The Panch Mandir Durga Puja Samiti, located in Harmu, has created a replica of Vrindavan’s Prem Mandir. Furthermore, the puja committee situated at Ratu Road, Ranchi, has designed a Durga Puja pandal inspired by the Vatican City church in Rome, Italy, which has encountered controversy even before its inauguration.
Why is the Pandal Facing Criticism?
The Durga Puja pandal in Ranchi, modeled after the Vatican City church, has attracted objections from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). Vinod Bansal, the national spokesperson of VHP, expressed concerns on social media platform X. His post included videos showcasing the pandal’s exterior and interior, accompanied by a caption questioning the alleged manipulation of Hindu religious sentiments. Bansal suggested that the pandal, under the direction of JMM leader Vicky Yadav, has become a location for religious conversion, as the RR Sporting Club of Ratu Road has replicated the entire Vatican City for the installation of the Durga idol.
VHP Leader’s Objections
The design of the pandal, which closely resembles the Vatican City church in Rome, features representations of Christian religious figures and symbols, including the cross. These aspects have triggered objections from the VHP. Vinod Bansal, the VHP’s national spokesperson, raised concerns and shared a video of the Durga Puja pandal designed in a similar style to a church.
Investment and Adjustments
The RR Sporting Club in Ratu Road invested approximately 70 lakh rupees to construct the Vatican City-themed pandal. Following the emergence of the controversy, the RR Durga Puja Samiti has decided to remove the specific design elements that drew criticism from Hindu organizations, aiming to avoid hurting the sentiments of devotees during the Durga Puja festivities.
