PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
The historic Jhanda Mela will begin here on March 19, under the guidance of the head of the Darbar Sahib Mahant Devendra Das.
Before the start of the event, Das delivered a ‘Gurumantra’ to the devotees at Darbar Sahib on Tuesday. He urged devotees to distance themselves from social evils such as female foeticide, substance abuse and dowry. Das encouraged everyone to play a significant role in building a prosperous society and nation.
The chief manager of the Jhanda Mela committee Madhusudan Semwal informed that preparations for the event are being given final touches. To ensure safety and security at the Mela, a police outpost at the Darbar Sahib was inaugurated by the superintendent of police (City) on Tuesday. On March 19 at 8 AM, volunteers will lower the old flag pole, commencing the process of erecting a new flag pole adorned with a Darshani Gilaf. It is anticipated that the Jhanda Mela will officially start with the flag hoisting between 4 and 5 PM on the same day, he said.
He added that the new Jhandi Ji is expected to be between 78 and 80 feet tall with a diametre of 32 inches. Apart from this, after a wait of 100 years, two individuals have been selected to adorn the Jhandi Ji with a Darshani Gilaf. Semwal also added that a total of 123 shops will be set up at this year’s fair. Additionally, the police administration has been contacted to implement security measures to prevent theft and avoid stampede incidents during the event.
