my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 8 Mar: In the presence of lakhs of devotees and residents of Dehradun, the historic Shri Jhanda Sahib was ceremoniously hoisted on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Shri Guru Ram Rai, here, today.
As the hoisting process began following the message of Mahant Devendra Das, the city reverberated to chants in praise of Guru Ram Rai. At exactly 4:12 p.m., the hoisting of the sacred 94-foot-tall Shri Jhande Ji was completed. Witnessing this divine moment, the devotees raised thunderous slogans of “Jai Shri Guru Ram Rai Ji Maharaj” and “Jai Shri Mahant Devendra Das Ji Maharaj” and danced joyfully to the beats of drums and traditional instruments. With this, the historic and cultural heritage fair of Dehradun, Shri Jhande Ji Mela, was formally inaugurated.
Even before sunrise on Sunday, large crowds of devotees gathered in and around the Darbar Sahib premises. Devotees from across the country and abroad bowed their heads before Jhande Ji with deep reverence and considered themselves blessed. The entire area was packed to capacity, with everyone eager to receive the Guru’s blessings and pay obeisance at Shri Jhanda Sahib.
Special prayers and rituals began at 7 a.m. At 8:30 a.m., devotees respectfully lowered the sacred flagstaff and performed traditional worship rituals. With great devotion, the Sangat performed the ceremonial ablution of the sacred flag using milk, ghee, honey, Ganga water, and Panchgavya. After this, the process of covering the 94-foot-tall Shri Jhande Ji with plain and chenille covers began. A special tradition is followed during this ritual—throughout the entire process, the sacred flagstaff is never allowed to touch the ground, as devotees hold it on their hands.
Around 1:30 p.m., when the process of placing the Darshani Gilaaf (decorative cover) began, the emotions of the devotees overflowed. Thousands of devotees were eager to touch the sacred cloth to earn spiritual merit. The atmosphere reflected a remarkable blend of devotion, faith, and reverence for the Guru.
As the beautifully decorated Jhanda Sahib, adorned with new velvet cloth and golden embellishments, was hoisted, the entire area echoed with chants of devotion. Devotees participated by holding wooden scissors used to raise the sacred flag to its full height. The scene became a remarkable symbol of faith, dedication, and love for the Guru.
After the hoisting ceremony, Mahant Devendra Das extended heartfelt greetings to the people of the country, the state, and the Sangat on the occasion of the Jhanda Ji Festival. He said 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 Shri Jhande Ji, which is why devotees from across the country and abroad eagerly await this sacred occasion every year. He prayed that the divine blessings of Shri Guru Ram Rai Ji Maharaj always remain upon the people of the country and the state.
After the hoisting of Shri Jhande Ji, a hawk was seen circling the sacred flag. Devotees consider this, as in previous years, a symbol of the subtle divine presence of Guru Ram Rai Maharaj. This remarkable sight further deepened the devotion of the Sangat and filled the entire premises with spiritual joy.
To allow more devotees to witness the divine event, five large LED screens were installed this year. The ceremony was also broadcast live through Facebook and YouTube. Grand drone coverage of the event became a major attraction for the devotees.
Sangat from Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh, along with several other states, reached Dehradun to participate in the event. Devotees from abroad also attended the ceremony, praising the glory of Guru Maharaj. Many devotees were seen singing devotional hymns and dancing joyfully to the beats of drums.
Devotees also took a holy dip in the sacred pond (sarovar) located at Shri Darbar Sahib and received the blessings of Guru Maharaj. Long queues of devotees were seen there from early morning.
The Shri Jhanda Ji Mela Organising Committee expressed gratitude to the police, administration, media, and the residents of Dehradun for their support in successfully organising the fair. Mela Officer Vijay Gulati, on behalf of all office bearers and members, extended heartfelt thanks to everyone.
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