Vatican-themed Durga Puja pandal in Ranchi sparks row, VHP alleges conversion agenda
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The Durga Puja pandal erected in Ranchi in resemblance of Vatican’s church, with domes, pillars, and statues, and later modified by replacing Christian deities with Hindu deities while keeping the Durga idol inside, has drawn criticism from the VHP which termed it as an agenda of conversion and an attempt to mislead Adivasis, demanding a probe into its funding.
The pandal, created by the RR Sporting Club, was initially adorned with a dome-like structure carrying framed images of Jesus, Mary, and other Christian figures, and the organisers had described it as an effort to promote brotherhood, but the display went viral on social media and sparked a reaction from the VHP and the BJP, The Indian Express reported.
The organisers then announced changes, including removing crosses from statues and substituting all Christian imagery with depictions of Hindu gods and goddesses, while maintaining that the structure was unique and designed to attract devotees.
The VHP accused the pandal of being part of a dangerous experiment allegedly aimed at influencing Adivasis and claimed that the design served vested interests, while insisting that authorities must investigate who financed and conceptualised it.
The BJP also expressed concern, saying that while creativity in pandal designs was welcome, the sanctity of religious traditions should be maintained, and it called on the organisers to rectify what it described as a mistake.
On the other hand, leaders from the ruling JMM defended the organisers, arguing that pandals are primarily built to appeal to devotees and should not become the subject of political controversy, although they maintained that questions may only be valid if rituals deviate from Sanatani culture.
