PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
The historic Jhanda Mela began with the raising of a new sacred holy pole at the Darbar Sahib here on Wednesday. The flag was hoisted in the evening amid Bhajans sung by the Sangat (devotees). A large number of devotees from across several states, including Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, gathered and witnessed the event.
After the initial rituals were over, the old pole was taken down and the new flagpole ( Jhanda Ji) , was raised under the guidance of Mahant Devendra Das at 4:19 PM which also marked the beginning of the Jhanda fair. Earlier, the holy flag mast was purified with honey, ghee, butter, curd and Gangajal. Devotees wrapped the 90-ft-high holy pole with a plain Gilaf, ensuring that the pole never touched the ground.
According to the members of the Jhanda Mela organising committee, the Jhanda Ji was wrapped up with 41 plain Gilaaf (cloth cover) in the innermost section and 21 in the middle section and the main which is known as the Darshani Gilaaf. They further said that the appearance of an eagle, traditionally considered an auspicious sign, also held significance for the devotees during the Jhanda Mela celebration. Notably, the raising of the new flagpole was broadcast live on five LED screens.
Speaking on the occasion, Mahant Devendra Das said that the Jhanda Mela spreads a message of love, harmony, compassion and peace. “Lakhs of people come, believing that bowing before Shri Jhanda Ji results in fulfilment of their wishes,” he said.
Further, the devotees took a dip in the holy pond located on the premises of Darbar Sahib.
