3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Birla maidan hosts matka phod contest with anti drug pledge
Ranchi: Ratu Road came alive on Wednesday as the Kanha Matka Phod competition took place at Birsa Maidan ahead of Janmashtami. Eight teams contested as a large crowd cheerd them on.
Participants and citizens pledged to make Ranchi free of drugs, reinforcing the event's commitment to social harmony alongside cultural fervour.
The celebrations began with a floral tribute to Jharkhand veteran Shibu Soren, remembered fondly by participants and guests. "We wanted to start by honouring a leader who stood for people's welfare," said Uttam Yadav, president of Kanha Matka Phod Samiti in Ranchi.
This was followed by a Radha-Krishna tableaux and a series of vibrant cultural processions, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
The matka phod contestants demonstrated teamwork and agility to break suspended clay pots. Crowd cheered as each group attempted the feat, with the winning team lifting the trophy and Rs 21,000 cash prize. "It's not just winning but the spirit of unity," said general secretary Prem Pratik Bambari.
The festive atmospheregripped the bustling markets, which saw brisk business throughout the evening. Stalls overflowed with earthen pots of various sizes, intricately painted Radha-Krishna idols, colourful flutes, and shimmering dahi-handi decorations. Sweet shops offered peda, ladoo, gulab jamun, malpua, and freshly fried jalebi, alongside savouries like samosas, pakoras, and chana chaat.
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