Political Figures Take Center Stage in Ranchis Durga Puja Celebrations

Ranchi, October 18 (Daily Kiran) : In Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, this year’s Durga Puja is marked by a unique blend of religious themes and contemporary political figures. Various pandals are showcasing not only traditional deities but also life-sized statues and images of prominent political personalities.

Among the displays, images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Dwarka are prominently featured, while life-sized figures of former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, and other family members have also been erected. These presentations reflect the puja committees’ intent to incorporate current events and social messages into the religious festivities.

One notable pandal, set up by the Chandrashekhar Azad Durga Puja Committee, is located between Albert Ekka Chowk and Sarjana Chowk on Main Road. The theme is inspired by the famous Dwarkadhish Temple in Gujarat, showcasing historical and religious narratives associated with Lord Krishna’s city.

Images of Modi scuba diving during his Gujarat trip in February 2024, where he prayed at the ancient submerged city of Dwarka, adorn this pandal. Meanwhile, the Jai Mata Di Navayuvak Durga Puja Committee, located near the Namkum railway station, has constructed a pandal reminiscent of Jaipur’s Hawa Mahal.

This pandal features not only the idol of Goddess Durga but also life-sized clay figures of Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, and their sons Tejashwi and Tej Pratap Yadav. According to committee president Vinod Singh Yadav, these figures depict Lalu and Rabri observing the Navratri fast.

The statues of Tejashwi and Tej Pratap aim to convey messages of familial love, unity, and brotherhood, drawing parallels to the relationship between Lord Ram and his brother Lakshman. This innovative approach to Durga Puja highlights the intersection of culture and modern political discourse in the region.