PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The preparations for the famous Jhanda Mela, beginning on March 8 are going at a fast pace. On Friday, the new 94-foot-high sacred flagstaff (New Jhanda Ji) was brought to Darbar Sahib with religious fervour and devotion. The Jhanda Ji will be hoisted on March 8, marking the formal inauguration of the Jhanda Mela.
According to officials, devotees began arriving at Shri Guru Ram Rai Public School, Bombay Bagh on Friday morning. Around 8 AM, the devotees reverently lifted the new sacred flagstaff onto their shoulders and proceeded toward Darbar Sahib. The officials said that carrying the sacred flagstaff, the devotees reached Lal Pul Chowk via THDC Chowk and in front of Shri Mahant Indiresh Hospital. From there, the holy procession passed through Matawala Bagh and Saharanpur Chowk, arriving at Darbar Sahib with utmost reverence and devotion by around 9:30 AM, officials reported.
They further informed that arrangements were made at various points along the route for Langar (community meals), cold water, fruits and other Prasad to welcome and serve the Sangat (Devotees).
On this occasion, Mahant Devendra Das stated that the Jhanda Mahotsav is a sacred fair symbolising love, affection, harmony, brotherhood, humanity, reverence and unwavering faith. He emphasised that, with the grace and blessings of the Guru, this fair unites people from all religions, communities, and classes. Like every year, this year’s Jhanda Mela will also be celebrated with complete devotion and faith.
The Mela Officer of the Darbar Sahib Management and Jhanda Mela Organising Committee, Vijay Gulati said that adequate arrangements have been made for the Sangat’s stay. Accommodation has been arranged at all major Dharamshalas (community lodgings) in Dehradun, including Shri Guru Ram Rai Public School Bindal, among others. Arrangements have also been made for several small and large Langars. Under the security and health arrangements, the Mela Police Station and Mela Hospital at Shri Mahant Indiresh Hospital, Patel Nagar, have already started functioning, he added.
SP city reviews security arrangements for Jhanda Mela
DEHRADUN: The superintendent of police (City), Pramod Kumar, emphasised the need for comprehensive security arrangements to ensure the safety of devotees attending the Jhanda Mela. He inspected the site of the Jhanda Mela on Friday and reviewed the security measures in place. Large number of devotees are expected to arrive in the Jhanda Mela beginning on March 8. Kumar instructed the officers present to ensure proper security protocols were implemented.
Additionally, he directed the monitoring of visitors through CCTV cameras and drones within the fair premises and the deployment of plainclothes police personnel to keep an eye on unruly or suspicious individuals. Kumar also instructed that rooftop duties be assigned as needed in locations surrounding the fair area and for Quick Response Teams (QRT) to be on standby to handle any emergencies that may arise during the event.
