Ranchi, October 5: In a grand event that merged tradition, architecture and devotion, Jharkhand’s Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, inaugurated the highly anticipated Pooja Pandal at Dhurwa’s Vidhan Sabha ground in Ranchi on Saturday.
The Pandal, meticulously designed to replicate the newly constructed Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, has become the centerpiece of this year’s Durga Puja celebrations.
The Governor, while addressing a gathering of hundreds of devotees, conveyed his heartfelt greetings for Navratri and Durga Puja.
He prayed for the well-being, prosperity and peace of all Jharkhand residents and emphasized the importance of community celebrations in fostering unity.
Along with the Governor, several prominent political figures and public representatives, including Union Minister of State for Defense Sanjay Seth, former Jharkhand Assembly Speaker CP Singh and MLA Naveen Jaiswal, graced the occasion.
A Majestic Tribute to Shri Ram Mandir
This year, the Shri Ram Lala Pooja Committee took on the ambitious task of recreating the iconic Shri Ram Mandir of Ayodhya as the theme for their Pooja Pandal.
Located at the historic Vidhan Sabha ground, the pandal has drawn significant attention for its intricate design and grand scale, symbolizing the religious and cultural sentiments of devotees.
The grand structure mirrors the new temple’s features, offering devotees in Ranchi a chance to witness the architectural brilliance of Ayodhya’s temple without having to travel.
According to the organizing committee, the mandir replica is designed to be a spiritual focal point for this year’s celebrations, and its detailed craftsmanship is meant to inspire awe.
The towering spires, carved facades, and the overall scale of the pandal have transformed it into a major attraction for visitors across Jharkhand.
Governor’s Message of Peace and Prosperity
Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar extended his warm wishes to the people of Jharkhand.
He said, “On this auspicious occasion of Navratri and Durga Puja, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all citizens. May Maa Durga bless everyone with health, happiness and prosperity. It is my hope that this celebration will foster harmony and peace across our state.”
He further added, “The theme of this year’s Pandal is deeply significant, especially in times when devotion and culture bind people together. This replica of Shri Ram Mandir brings a part of Ayodhya to Ranchi, serving as a beacon of spiritual unity.”
A Controversy Resolved
While the inauguration was met with joy and celebration, the construction of the Pooja Pandal had previously stirred a controversy.
Initially, local authorities raised objections, citing the lack of proper permissions for constructing the Pandal on the Vidhan Sabha ground.
According to Jagannathpur Police, the location had not been used for such purposes in the past, and concerns were raised over the absence of formal approvals from the district administration.
This led to protests from Hindu organizations and BJP leaders, who supported the Pandal’s construction, asserting that it was a matter of religious importance.
The matter was eventually brought to the attention of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who intervened and ensured that the necessary permissions were granted.
His involvement quelled the rising tensions, and the construction proceeded as planned.
The Pandal’s construction is estimated to have cost over ₹1 crore, a budget that reflects the scale and grandeur of the structure.
The Shri Ram Lala Pooja Committee has reportedly pooled resources from various community members and organizations to bring this vision to life.
Political and Public Support
In addition to the Governor’s remarks, several key figures in Jharkhand’s political landscape were present at the event, offering their support for the cultural celebration.
Union Minister Sanjay Seth spoke about the importance of preserving religious and cultural traditions in the modern age.
“The Pandal not only reflects our devotion but also our commitment to uphold cultural heritage. It is a symbol of unity for all Hindus, especially during these auspicious days of Navratri,” said Seth.
Former Jharkhand Assembly Speaker CP Singh and MLA Naveen Jaiswal echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the role such events play in maintaining communal harmony.
They praised the efforts of the Shri Ram Lala Pooja Committee for their vision and commitment to celebrating the festival with such grandeur.
An Architectural Marvel
The Vidhan Sabha ground, which traditionally hosts large gatherings and events, has been transformed into a pilgrimage site for devotees this year, thanks to the Pooja Pandal’s eye-catching design.
Modeled meticulously after the Ayodhya Shri Ram Mandir, the structure has drawn comparisons for its architectural precision and spiritual significance.
The Pandal’s towering spires, the intricately designed carvings on the walls, and the vibrant use of colors have made it a must-visit location during the Navratri festival.
The local artisans and architects behind the design have paid special attention to every detail, ensuring that the Pandal stands as a proud replica of the Ayodhya temple.
According to Pooja Committee officials, the design of the Pandal aims to provide devotees with a spiritual experience akin to visiting Ayodhya.
“Our goal was to create a Pandal that not only embodies devotion but also showcases the beauty of traditional Hindu architecture. We wanted it to be a focal point for prayer, devotion and community gathering,” said a committee member.
Community Participation and Spirit
The involvement of the local community has been instrumental in the success of this project.
From gathering funds to overseeing the design and execution, the Shri Ram Lala Pooja Committee has received overwhelming support from Ranchi’s residents and business community.
Volunteers have worked around the clock to ensure the timely completion of the Pandal, contributing to the sense of communal pride surrounding the event.
This collective effort reflects the deep-rooted cultural traditions that are central to Navratri and Durga Puja celebrations in Jharkhand.
The Pooja Committee has also ensured that the Pandal remains accessible to all, including special provisions for senior citizens and differently-abled devotees.
Looking Forward
With the grand inauguration complete, the Vidhan Sabha ground Pooja Pandal is expected to attract thousands of visitors over the course of the Navratri and Durga Puja festivals.
The Shri Ram Lala Pooja Committee has arranged for various cultural programs, devotional songs, and community activities to take place in the coming days, further enriching the festive spirit.
The decision to create a replica of Ayodhya’s Shri Ram Mandir not only highlights the cultural connection between Ranchi and one of the most revered temples in India but also serves as a reminder of the power of faith and community in bringing people together.
Conclusion
As the festivities unfold, the Vidhan Sabha ground in Dhurwa will remain a hub of devotion, community engagement, and cultural celebration.
The Governor’s inauguration of the Shri Ram Mandir replica has set the tone for a festive season that blends devotion with architectural splendor, creating an unforgettable experience for the people of Ranchi.
