PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
With the conclusion of the historic Jhanda Mela, the Jhanda Mela Committee, in collaboration with the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun, is preparing to clean the area where the religious congregation was held. Importantly, the Jhanda Mela commenced with the raising of the 94-foot Jhanda Ji (holy pole) at Darbar Sahib on March 8. Initially, it was scheduled to end on March 27; however, due to adverse weather conditions, the event was extended. The Mela officially concluded on Sunday, March 29.
A senior Mela Committee functionary Vijay Gulati sounded satisfied over the large turnout of devotees. “They came from Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and several other states aside from the enthusiastic local attendance. The Mela traditionally concludes on the day of Ram Navami. However, we extended it for two days keeping in view the appeal of the stall owners. They told us that they had suffered losses due to the rainfall- induced drop in devotee footfalls,” he said.
He further informed that with the conclusion of the Mela on Sunday, the stall owners have begun winding up and packing their materials. “This process is expected to take two to three days. As soon as the stalls are wound up, the committee, in collaboration with MCD, will ensure that the area where the Mela was held is cleaned,” he added.
