Ranchi: The city stepped out in its festive best on Sunday, the second Saptami, with colourful lights, bustling streets and devotees turning Durga Puja into a celebration that blended faith with family time.From late afternoon, residents moved from one pandal to another, mapping routes to fit in darshan, food stops and photographs. The Zila School ground, Bakri Bazar and Main Road emerged among the biggest draws, with elaborate gateways, themed decorations and illuminated surroundings creating a vibrant backdrop for visitors.Families arrived in festive finery, while groups of youngsters added to the buzz, stopping to click pictures and shoot videos. At several venues, long queues formed as volunteers managed crowds and guided devotees through barricaded passages.“We try to cover as many pandals as possible in just two days every year, but the decorations and the festive atmosphere make the experience special each time. The whole city seems to have come out to celebrate, so we planned our evening around pandal hopping with friends,” said Riya Sharma, a Harmu resident.The day, however, remained rooted in devotion. Pushpanjali drew worshippers to puja venues, where devotees offered flowers while chanting prayers. Women offered saris, sindoor and other shringar items to Maa Durga as part of traditional worship.“Pushpanjali holds special significance as women offer flowers to Maa Durga with prayers and devotion. Women also offer saris and shringar items as a mark of reverence, seeking the goddess’s blessings and prosperity for their families,” said priest Amit Pathak.Children accompanying parents and grandparents added continuity to the celebrations. For many families, the evening became a shared outing — a circuit of pandals, prayers and conversations that allowed them to experience Ranchi at its brightest.As night fell, the city’s decorated streets stayed busy, with devotional music and the glow of lights keeping the festive spirit alive.
