PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The historic Jhanda Mela began with the raising of the 94-feet Jhanda Ji (holy flagpole) at the Darbar Sahib here on Sunday. The flag was hoisted during the evening, accompanied by the chanting of Bhajans by the Sangat (devotees). A large number of devotees from across the State and other areas including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and other regions attended the event.
According to Darbar Sahib officials, special prayers and rituals began at 7 AM. Subsequently, at 8:30 AM, the devotees lowered the sacred flagpole and performed traditional worship rituals. The Sangat conducted the ceremonial ablution of the sacred flag using milk, ghee, honey, Ganga water and Panchgavya. After this, the process of covering the 94-feet-tall Jhande Ji with plain and chenille covers began. In pursuance of the tradition which dictates that throughout this entire process, the sacred flagpole must not touch the ground, devotees keep it aloft with their hands, the officials noted.
Around 1:30 PM the process of placing the Darshani Gilaaf (decorative cover) began and by 4:12 PM, the hoisting of the sacred 94-foot-tall Jhande Ji was completed. Devoteees raised slogans of “Jai Shri Guru Ram Rai Ji Maharaj” to mark the event. The appearance of a hawk, traditionally considered an auspicious sign, also held significance for the devotees during the Jhanda Mela celebration.
Speaking on the occasion, Mahant Devendra Das extended greetings to the people of the country, the State and the Sangat at the start of the Jhanda Mela. He remarked that this fair conveys the message of love, harmony, brotherhood, joy and peace. He added that devotees’ wishes are fulfilled by bowing their heads before Jhande Ji, which is why individuals from across the country and abroad eagerly anticipate this sacred occasion every year. He prayed that the divine blessings of Shri Guru Ram Rai may always remain with the people of the country and the State.
Notably, to accommodate more devotees, five large LED screens were installed this year, and the ceremony was broadcast live via Facebook and YouTube. Drone coverage of the event also became a major attraction for attendees. Additionally, devotees took holy dips in the sacred pond located at the premises of Darbar Sahib. The Jhanda Mela organising committee expressed gratitude to the police, administration, media and the residents of Dehradun for their support in successfully organising the fair.
