- By Akansha Pandey
- Thu, 25 Sep 2025 06:29 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
A Durga Puja pandal on Ratu Road in Ranchi, created by the RR Sporting Club, has ignited a significant controversy this year. The structure, designed to resemble the Vatican Museum in Rome, has drawn fierce opposition from several Hindu organisations.
Organisations such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Hindu Jagran Manch, and Janjati Suraksha Manch claim that designing a Durga Puja pandal in the likeness of a church offends Hindu religious sentiments. In a post on X, VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal alleged the pandal, constructed under the leadership of JMM leader Vicky Yadav, has become a "hub for religious conversion," accusing the government of playing with the faith of Hindus. Vikram Sharma, the provincial convener of the Hindu Jagran Manch, stated that the move will be strongly opposed and that tampering with Hindu faith will not be tolerated. Another member, Sujit Singh, mentioned that his prior attempts to reason with Vicky Yadav were unsuccessful, and a protest is now being organised.
In response, Rahul Yadav, the president of the RR Sporting Club, has defended the design. He explained that the pandal is based on the theme of the Vatican Museum and that there was no intention to hurt anyone's sentiments. He also highlighted that the structure is completely eco-friendly. According to the organisers, the pandal, already a subject of public discussion for its grandeur, was built at a cost of Rs 85 lakh, making it one of the most expensive in the city. Measuring 100 feet in length and 45 feet in width, its construction involved 70 to 80 artisans working around the clock. The pandal is adorned with grand lighting, and numerous food and drink stalls have been set up in its vicinity.
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Following the controversy, several social organisations have united to launch a protest and have convened a meeting to decide their future course of action. With protests continuing, it remains to be seen what further steps will be taken in this matter.