'Tribal' Statue of Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus in Jharkhand

A new statue which shows Virgin Mary and baby Jesus as tribals has been installed in a church in the State of Jharkhand,India sparking off protests from non-Christian tribal groups

Wearing a red-bordered white sari, red blouse, necklace and bangles and holding baby Jesus in a cloth sling, the statue has invited both anger and astonishment.

Unveiled by Cardinal Telesphor P Toppo on May 26,2013 the statue stands tall in the local church in Singhpur village, 15km (nine miles) from Ranchi,Capital of Jharkhand

In Jharkhand, 27% of the population or 8.6 million people are tribals and only 3% of the tribal population is Christian.