The historic Jhanda Mela began in Dehradun with the ceremonial hoisting of the 94-foot sacred Jhande Ji at Darbar Sahib. Thousands of devotees from Uttarakhand and neighbouring states attended the traditional religious event.
DEHRADUN: The historic Jhanda Mela commenced in Dehradun on Sunday with the ceremonial hoisting of the 94-foot-tall sacred flagpole, known as Jhande Ji, at Darbar Sahib. The spiritual event drew thousands of devotees who gathered to witness the traditional rituals and offer prayers.
The flag was raised in the evening amid the chanting of devotional hymns and bhajans by the Sangat (devotees). People from across Uttarakhand as well as neighbouring states including Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh arrived in large numbers to participate in the revered annual celebration.
According to officials of Darbar Sahib, the day’s rituals began early in the morning. Special prayers and religious ceremonies started at around 7 AM. At approximately 8:30 AM, devotees ceremonially lowered the sacred flagpole and began the traditional worship rituals.
As part of the centuries-old tradition, the Sangat performed the ceremonial ablution of the sacred flag using milk, ghee, honey, Ganga water and Panchgavya. Following this ritual purification, devotees began covering the 94-foot-tall Jhande Ji with plain and chenille cloth coverings.
Maintaining an important religious tradition, the sacred flagpole was not allowed to touch the ground during the entire process. Devotees held the pole upright with their hands throughout the rituals.
Around 1:30 PM, the process of placing the Darshani Gilaaf (decorative ceremonial cover) began. After the completion of the rituals, the sacred flagpole was finally hoisted at 4:12 PM, marking the formal beginning of the Jhanda Mela festivities.
The moment was celebrated with devotees chanting slogans of “Jai Shri Guru Ram Rai Ji Maharaj.” During the ceremony, the sighting of a hawk — traditionally regarded as an auspicious sign — was considered spiritually significant by the devotees present.
Speaking on the occasion, Mahant Devendra Das extended greetings to people across the country and the state as the Jhanda Mela commenced. He said the fair symbolises love, harmony, brotherhood, joy and peace.
He further stated that devotees believe their wishes are fulfilled when they bow before Jhande Ji, which is why thousands eagerly wait every year to participate in the sacred event. He prayed that the blessings of Shri Guru Ram Rai Ji continue to guide and protect people in the state and across the country.
To ensure better viewing arrangements for the large gathering of devotees, five giant LED screens were installed at the venue this year. The ceremony was also broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube, allowing devotees from around the world to watch the event. Drone coverage of the celebration added to the attraction for attendees.
Devotees also took holy dips in the sacred pond located within the Darbar Sahib premises as part of the religious observances.
The Jhanda Mela organising committee expressed gratitude to the police, district administration, media and residents of Dehradun for their support and cooperation in successfully organising the grand religious fair.
