RANCHI: Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, has once again become the centre of attention during this year’s Durga Puja celebrations, where community pandals have left locals and visitors awestruck. The city’s vibrant Durga Puja scene, known for its creative and diverse themes, has drawn thousands of devotees and pandal-hoppers alike. From replicating the grand Ram temple of Ayodhya to celebrating Jharkhand’s tribal art and heritage, the city’s Durga Puja committees have truly outdone themselves this year.
Ayodhya’s Ram Temple Replica Draws Massive Crowds
One of the most talked-about Durga Puja pandals this year has been the depiction of the iconic Ram temple from Ayodhya. The grand structure which is located at Ranchi’s Old Vidhan Sabha Ground, has caught the attention of multiple visitors, especially those who have not had the chance to visit the real Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Kunal Ajmani, the General Secretary of the Sri Ramlala Puja Committee, explained the idea behind making the replica. “Many devotees haven’t had the opportunity to visit Ayodhya to see Lord Ram. We wanted to fulfill their wish by creating a replica of the Ram temple here,” he said.
The grandeur of this pandal is impressive. Standing 170 feet tall and 120 feet wide, it houses a 19-feet idol of Goddess Durga, towering over the visitors. The large size and intricate design of the structure have attracted huge crowds, with many devotees lining up to see it. The committee shared that around Rs 1 crore was spent to create this impressive display.
Adrika Bhattacharjee, a pandal visitor, shared her amazement. “The pandal resembled the Ram temple perfectly. I think it will be one of the best in the city and maybe even the whole state,” she said, reflecting the feelings of many others.
While the Ram temple pandal has been a major attraction, other pandals in Ranchi have showcased themes close to Jharkhand’s own rich culture. The RR Sporting Club Durga Puja committee has decorated their pandal with stunning Sohrai paintings, a traditional tribal art form. This art style is known for its vibrant depictions of nature, forests, animals, and people, with themes mostly brought to life by women artisans.
Vickey Yadav, a member of the RR Sporting Club committee, mentioned that more people are visiting their pandal. He said, “The colorful display of Jharkhand’s art and culture is attracting crowds. Skilled artisans from West Bengal created this special pandal, making it one of the most popular ones this year.”
Sohrai art is deeply rooted in tribal traditions, and showcasing this heritage during Durga Puja brings a touch of local flavor to the celebrations. Visitors are often seen admiring the beautiful artwork and learning more about the traditions of Jharkhand.
Another standout among Ranchi’s Durga Puja celebrations is the Sri Sri Bandhgari Durga Puja Committee’s unique theme: bird conservation. The pandal creatively conveys the message of protecting bird habitats, as the models of birds’ nests made from bamboo straws and pots reflect the ongoing destruction of natural bird shelters due to urbanization.
“Our aim is to raise awareness about bird conservation, especially now, as development is causing the loss of trees, which are natural shelters for birds,” said an office-bearer from the committee. The creative design has struck a chord with visitors, who appreciate the environmental message woven into the pandal’s decoration.
Adding to the diversity of Ranchi’s Durga Puja scene, the OCC Bangla Durga Puja Committee, in its 54th year of celebrations, has transported visitors to Rajasthan by creating a pandal that replicates a royal palace. Over 30 artisans from Kolkata were employed to give the structure a majestic look, drawing huge crowds over the past few days. Similarly, Bharatiya Yuvak Sangh’s pandal at Bakri Bazar also captured Rajasthan’s heritage, showcasing an ancient palace, much to the delight of visitors.
Meanwhile, Ranchi Railway Durga Puja Committee opted to bring southern India into the mix by constructing a pandal that depicted Coimbatore’s famous Adiyogi statue. This unique design has added variety to the city’s celebrations, giving visitors a chance to experience diverse cultures from across the country within Ranchi’s bustling pandal landscape.
As thousands throng the city’s pandals, the Ranchi district administration has put in place elaborate arrangements for security and traffic management. Senior police officials confirmed that additional security personnel have been deployed at key locations, with CCTV cameras and drone surveillance monitoring the crowds. To maintain public order, a mock drill was conducted earlier in the week, ensuring that any emergencies would be swiftly handled.
To make it easier for pandal-hoppers, entry of heavy vehicles into Ranchi has been restricted from 8 AM to 4 AM until October 13. Traffic diversions have been set up along major routes to ensure smooth movement during the festive period.
Ranchi’s Durga Pujas this year showcase a vibrant mix of Jharkhand’s tribal art and impressive replicas of famous Indian landmarks. These pandals have become a true display of cultural pride, creativity, and devotion. Visitors from near and far are flocking to explore the various themes, each highlighting a unique aspect of India’s rich heritage. The mixture of tradition, spirituality, and artistic expression has made this year’s Durga Puja celebrations in Ranchi truly memorable.
