This Durga Puja, lesiure buffs of the City will get an opportunity to witness a myriad of theme based puja pandals. From a facsimile of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya to the Adiyogi in Coimbatore from a Rajasthani Raj Darbar to the sacred Kashi Vishawanath’s Dashashwamedh Ghat, puja pandalshave left no stone unturned to attract revellers.
Another major centre of attraction for Ranchiites is the RR Sporting Club which over the years has made a significant mark amongst the devotees for its unique presentations and traditional themes.
Depicting the various forms of Goddess Durga worshipped during Navratri, the RR Sporting club puja pandal is based on the theme called ‘Maa ke Anek Roop’ and is built in the form of a huge doll.
The pandal also pays a rich tribute to the freedom fighters who fought for the Indian Independence and other elated personalities. The passage leading up to the sanctum sanctorum has posters of Mahatma Gandhi, Birsa Munda, Subash Chandra Bose and Mother Teresa to name a few.
The idols of Goddess Durga and the other deities will be seen in various yoga postures signifying that just how India has given yoga to the world with a message of unity and peace, the Goddess is also urging her devotees to stay united and in harmony. The idol of the Goddess Durga is about 18 feet tall while the centre dais is around 15 feet broad.
The entire pandal is primed up at a budget of Rs 45 lakh. The structure is be about 120 feet high and 70 feet broad and is made using cane wood with handmade paintings As many as 50 artisans have been involved in constructing the structure. To attract devotees gates with special lights effects have been placed on the road leading the way to the main structure.
“The coming generations are highly influenced by the western culture and are also gradually adapting to it. Performing our traditional pujas has greatly reduced. With the puja pandal being set up, we want to give the young generation a glimpse of our traditions and culture and also learn from it,” said Rahul Yadav, president RR Sporting Club.
The RR Sporting Club committee has been celebrating the festival in a grand way since 1951. “In the last decade, theme based pandals are being made in Ranchi to celebrate Durga Puja whereas earlier small structures on the lines of s temple were generally made,” added Yadav.
The venue is located to Durga Mandir in Ratu Road and offerings to the deities of pua, puri and sabji are made every day of the Navrati festival which is then distributes amongst the worshippers by the committee members. On Dashmi – October 9 a special bhog of khichdi and kheer will also be made.
The pandal is open to revellers from Panchami- October 7 and has been inaugurated by the Chief Minister Hemant Soren while the idol immersion is scheduled to take place on October 13.
