This Saraswati Puja, the goddess of knowledge was worshipped in various avatars in the state capital of Ranchi. Themed primarily on Covid, she embraced the role of a medical practitioner, holding a syringe in one hand and inoculating her disciples, treating patients a doctor, and holding placards, in addition to her veena, to propagate Covid safety guidelines.

With Covid-19 cases on decline in the state, Basant panchami, which marks the first public puja of 2021, was celebrated with enthusiasm across the state capital on Tuesday after a long lull in festivities due to the pandemic induced lockdown.

At the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), the biggest state-run hospital, a Covid themed goddess was housed in a modest pandal near the hostel. RIMS director Kameshwar Prasad said they all prayed for the end of the pandemic.

“Since the outbreak of the virus, RIMS has had a huge role to play to contain the virus and treat patients. All medical professionals walked the extra mile to serve humanity. Hence, our theme for the puja was Covid. The idea was to pray for the wellbeing of everyone in Jharkhand,” said a RIMS official.

Many coaching centres opened for the day to hold Saraswati Puja. Manish Kumar, head of Manish Tutorials in Bariatu, said coaching centres like his were still waiting for a government nod to reopen. Hence, Saraswati Puja was a good occasion to reconnect with their students. Their idol had the goddess holding a syringe.

“We had specially ordered the idol,” said Kumar, adding that they also organised a low-key feast and a cultural programme for students. “Everyone was told to follow Covid norms. We all wore masks and provisioned sanitisers at the venue,” he said.

Notably, the state government has allowed gatherings of about 200 people at indoor venues and 300 people at outdoor venues. Use of loudspeakers and DJs are permitted during the day.

Ajay Pal, one of the more famous idol makers in Ranchi with a workshop at Peace Road, said all his idols had Covid as a theme. “I prepared around 150 big and small idols. The big idols depicted the entire pandemic — right from the virus outbreak to the vaccination process _ with Saraswati shown as a doctor treating or inoculating patients,” he said.

Pal was happy to see some business after the lockdown. “I had incurred losses if over Rs 3 lakh due to the lockdown last year as all major pujas _ Ganesh, Durga Puja, Vishwakarma and Kali _ were literally washed out due to lockdown guidelines,” he said.