Sitamarhi: With state assembly elections on the horizon, one Durga Puja committee in Sitamarhi has taken an unusual approach to blending devotion with democracy. This year’s pandal, designed to resemble an electronic voting machine (EVM), has become a major draw for visitors.
The Maa Saraswati Puja Committee of Punaura Dham, known for its imaginative and topical designs, has created a pavilion that mirrors an EVM and even includes a VVPAT machine. Instead of political candidates, the ballot lists 17 Hindu deities, each represented with their own symbol – from Lord Krishna’s flute to Goddess Lakshmi’s pot and Hanuman’s mace. The 18th slot is reserved for the “None of the Above” (NOTA) option.
Organisers said the concept was intended to raise awareness among first-time voters. “A major democratic event is about to take place, and keeping this in mind, the puja committee decided that this year, the pavilion would be designed in the shape of an EVM to raise awareness among the newly registered voters,” said Sunil Hathi, the former president of the committee. The installation cost about Rs 12 lakh.
The committee also integrated a social message on gender representation. Of the 17 deities included, six are goddesses, reflecting a 35% share – in line with the recently passed women’s reservation bill.
Visitors have flocked to the pandal not only for prayers but also for photographs, with selfies in front of the deity “candidates” trending on social media. A replica police vehicle has also been displayed, intended to highlight the security presence at polling booths.
The committee has a history of building striking themed pavilions, from models of missiles to Chandrayaan spacecraft. This year’s EVM-inspired pandal, located near the Mata Sita temple, blends religious celebration with a civic message: reminding devotees of their democratic duty as Bihar prepares to vote.
