Row erupts over Durga Puja pandal in Ranchi styled after Vatican Museum

(Screengrab: X)

A Durga Puja pandal in Jharkhand’s capital Ranchi, has sparked controversy after its design, inspired by Rome’s Vatican Museum, drew sharp criticism from several Hindu organisations.

The pandal, created by RR Sporting Club on Ratu Road, has become the centre of a heated debate. Groups including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Hindu Jagran Manch, and Janjati Suraksha Manch have alleged that replicating a Catholic landmark for a Hindu festival is an insult to religious sentiments.

VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal accused the ruling dispensation of “playing with Hindu faith.” In a post on X, he claimed that the pandal, put up under the supervision of JMM leader Vicky Yadav, had “turned into a hub of religious conversion.”

Echoing this sentiment, Hindu Jagran Manch’s provincial convener Vikram Sharma said the organisation would strongly resist any move that “tampered with Hindu beliefs,” according to a report in Jagran.

Organisers defend Vatican-themed pandal

Responding to the backlash, RR Sporting Club President Rahul Yadav clarified that the pandal was only based on the Vatican Museum’s theme and there was no intent to offend anyone. He added that the structure is entirely eco-friendly.

Built at a cost of Rs 85 lakh, the pandal spans 100 feet in length and 45 feet in width. Around 70 to 80 artisans worked day and night to complete the project, which features elaborate lighting and is surrounded by food and beverage stalls for visitors.