Wednesday, 23 March 2022 | PNS | Dehradun
A large number of devotees participated in the raising of the new sacred flag pole which also marked the formal start of the Jhanda Mela in Dehradun on Tuesday.
After elaborate rituals, bringing down of the old pole and covering of the new flag pole with various covers, the new sacred flag pole was raised under the guidance of Mahant Devendra Das at 3:22 PM. Devotees could be seen dancing enthusiastically to the beats of drums as the Jhanda Fair began.
The Darbar Sahib precincts and nearby areas were crowded with devotees early in the morning on Tuesday. The crowds first brought down the old flag pole at 8 AM. After this, the new flag pole was consecrated and worshipped while also being bathed in Panchgavya mixture. This was followed by the process of covering the 90 feet high flag pole with three layers of covers. Throughout the process of putting covers, the flag pole was prevented from touching the ground. The process of raising the new flag pole began at 3:05 PM and concluded at 3:22 PM. As seen on this occasion in the past too, a falcon appeared and flew around the newly raised flag pole.
Expressing his views on the occasion, Mahant Devendra Das greeted the people of Uttarakhand and devotees. He said that the Jhanda Mela spreads the message of love, harmony, compassion and peace. He wished that the blessings of Guru Ram Rai should always be showered on the people of India and Uttarakhand.
The Jhanda Mela organising committee expressed its gratitude to police, local administration, media and the citizens for successful organisation of the Jhanda Mela.
The raising of the new flag pole was also telecast live on two LED screens at the venue. As in past years, devotees have arrived here from western Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh as well as from foreign countries. A large number of devotees also took dips in the sacred pond in the Darbar Sahib premises on the occasion.
