As the Sharadiya Navratri begins, the entire nation is immersed in the worship and adoration of Maa Durga, the embodiment of power. In Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, Durga Puja pandals based on hundreds of unique themes are constructed. Ranchi holds a special place in the country for its Durga Puja celebrations, known for their grandeur and magnificence.
Amidst the religious atmosphere, the Gorkha community residing in the Doranda area of Ranchi, particularly the Jharkhand Armed Force One (JAP-1) personnel, have been conducting a unique Durga Puja since 1880. On the first day of Navratri, Maa Durga is saluted with gunfire. The most unique aspect is that no idol or statue of Maa Durga is installed; instead, a kalash (sacred pot) is established for worship. This unique puja tradition, practiced by the Gorkha soldiers (Jharkhand Armed Force – JAP-1) in Ranchi, has its own distinct identity across the country.
In the JAP-1 complex in Doranda, Ranchi, the Navratri commences with the installation of the kalash. As per tradition, instead of an idol, a kalash representing the form of the goddess is established. During the kalash installation, Maa Durga is saluted by the JAP-1 soldiers with gunfire from their modern weapons. It is believed that saluting Maa Durga with gunfire during Navratri and performing special worship of weapons on the ninth day of Navratri strengthens the weapons and boosts the confidence of the soldiers.
By the grace of Maa Durga, the weapons of the JAP-1 soldiers (Gorkha soldiers) never fail them, whether in operations against Naxalites or extremists, or during the security of VIPs. Maa Durga herself protects them from any danger that may befall the soldiers.
Furthermore, the Gorkha soldiers believe that saluting the Mother with weapons is a symbol of the worship of power and their valiant tradition. The Gorkha soldiers perform their duties in various operations or VIP security, while their wives perform the worship by installing the kalash for nine days during Navratri. This is done to protect their husbands from any kind of danger.
On Mahanavami, 101 goats are sacrificed to please Maa Durga. The special aspect is that during the sacrifice of each goat, the Gorkha soldiers salute the Mother with gunfire.
On the day of Mahasaptami of Navratri, a procession of Phool Pati (flower leaves) is taken out by the people of the Gorkha community. In this procession, the branches of nine different types of trees are collected and worshipped. During this, the Gorkha soldiers and other members of their families take a vow to protect nature and maintain environmental balance.
On Mahanavami, a special puja is performed where the Gorkha soldiers first place their weapons before Maa Durga, the embodiment of power, and worship them. Then, 101 goats are sacrificed to please Maa Durga. The special thing is that during the sacrifice of each goat, the Gorkha soldiers salute the Mother with gunfire.