Durga Pujas of Ranchi- Major Missing

 As I sit in my apartment in Hyderabad, the sound of traffic outside seems a world apart from the spiritual beats of the *dhaak* that usually fill the air around this time of the year when we used to stay in Ranchi. 

Every year, Durga Puja has been a festival that I not only celebrated, but one that I felt deeply connected to. Now, sitting here far from Ranchi, I realize just how much I miss those days. Ranchi hadn't been my hometown, but I feel lucky to spend the most beautiful years of my childhood there! 

Durga Puja in Ranchi is not just a festival. It’s a way of life. The city seems to come alive in a way that's hard to describe. From the early preparations, when the artisans begin crafting idols of Maa Durga, to the grand pandals that spring up in every neighborhood, there’s a buzz that I can still feel, even from miles away. It’s not just about the religious rituals—though I miss the feeling of standing in line for hours just to get a glimpse of the beautifully adorned goddess. It’s the sense of belonging, the familiar faces, and the shared joy.

In Ranchi, Durga Puja was the time when the entire city felt like family. I’d wake up early, do all the pooja and spend the time waiting for the evenings, so to hop to the nearest pandals which were trending on newspapers. I would made a list of pandals and idols to cover and get ready to explore. I remember I could never go out with friends as I was just a kid back then! But I surely remember how we as a family used to go and discuss the marveling at the craftsmanship, debating over which one was the best, and indulge in never ending conversations looking at the food stalls and street vendors. Yes, we never ate out during Durga Puja as my mom was particularly strict during this festive season! (Hygiene and Rituals were the reason), But oh god! I missed those sizzling Chowmein plates. 😖 

As I share this profound celebration of mine, I can't miss sharing the most famous Pandals I used to adore and couldn't take my eyes off! Let's list them out- 

• Bakri Bazar Pandal: This one is iconic. Every year, they manage to outdo themselves with intricate and grand designs. The pandal is usually modeled after famous temples or monuments, and the level of detail in the decorations is mind-blowing. 

• Durga Badi: Another famous pandal in Ranchi, this one is traditional yet mesmerizing in its simplicity. It’s one of the oldest pujas in the city, and there’s something about the history and the energy here that pulls me back year after year. The idol of Maa Durga here has always been my favorite—majestic and graceful, she seems almost alive, as if her eyes are looking directly at you.

• Ratu Road Pandal: This is where innovation meets devotion. Every year, the Ratu Road pandal brings in something new—be it an eco-friendly theme or a futuristic design. The artistry here is top-notch. One year, they used entirely recyclable materials to create the pandal, making both a social and artistic statement.

While the pandals are a feast for the eyes, the idols of Maa Durga are the heart of the celebration. In Ranchi, each idol is a work of art. Every time I used to see the idols, the pandals, I could see a whole vision and talent behind crafting those impeccable details. 

But now, living in Hyderabad, Durga Puja feels distant, almost like a cherished dream. Hyderabad is a beautiful city with its own unique charm, but during this time, the longing for Ranchi grows stronger. I find myself scrolling through Instagram pages and recent pictures of pandals trying to soak in the festive spirit from afar. The familiar sounds, smells, and sights feel like memories from another lifetime. 

It’s not that Hyderabad doesn’t celebrate Durga Puja—there are pandals here too. But it’s not the same. I miss the local flavor of Ranchi, the nostalgia of walking those familiar streets with family and friends, and the feeling of being rooted in tradition. Here, everything feels new and unfamiliar. The crowd, the vibe, even the way the festival is celebrated—it’s different, and I guess that’s what makes the longing for Ranchi even stronger.

Durga Puja, for me, is a reminder of where I started my life. exploring art and religion. It’s a festival that ties me to my roots, to my childhood, to those carefree days when the world was simpler. As much as I try to recreate those moments here in Hyderabad, there’s a piece of me that will always belong to Ranchi during Durga Puja.

So, as the festivities commence, I’ll light a lamp here, offer my prayers, and try to hold onto the spirit of the festival and celebrate the festive with all love and devotion. But in my heart, I know, Ranchi is where my soul truly celebrates Durga Puja.

**Jaldi Aao, Maa Durga!!**