Sunday, 31 March 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The popular Jhanda Mela started with the raising of the holy flag pole at historic Darbar Sahib here on Saturday. The flag pole was hoisted during the evening amid chanting of Bhajans by the Sangats (groups of devotees). The event organisers noted that the number of people attending the fair this year was more than the previous year due to the early conclusion of the board examinations.
The old flag pole was lowered at 8 AM in the morning and the old coverings were replaced. Following this, the new flag pole was purified with honey, ghee, butter, curd and Gangajal. Devotees then wrapped the holy pole with a plain Gilaf and other covers. Throughout the process, the holy pole was not allowed to touch the ground as per the tradition. The new flag pole was finally raised at 4:25 PM amidst cheers, drum beats and flower offerings by the devotees. The entire Darbar Sahib area reverberated with joyous cheers. Additionally, the sight of an eagle, traditionally seen as an auspicious sign, was also witnessed by the throng during the Jhanda Mela celebration.
The head of the Shri Darbar Sahib Mahant Devendra Das extended his greetings to the devotees. Addressing the gathering, he said that the Jhanda Mela symbolises values of love, goodwill, mutual brotherhood, harmony, joy and peace. He emphasised that by venerating the holy flag pole, aspirations of all individuals are fulfilled, contributing to the growing faith of the people of Dehradun, as well as the Sangats from across India and abroad.
Notably, the Jhanda Mela is held every year in memory of Guru Ram Rai who is believed to have set camp here on this day in 1676. The Mela begins on the fifth day Chaitra (fifth day after Holi) which also coincides with Guru Ram Rai’s birthday.
