Jhanda Mela: Ancient Religious Festival of Dehradun - History, Traditions & Celebrations

Held in March every year, coinciding with Chaitra Shukla Panchami, which falls on the fifth day after Holi, the Jhanda Ji Mela is a historic and culturally significant fair held annually in the valley city of Dehradun. This grand event is dedicated to Guru Ram Rai, the eldest son of Guru Har Rai, the seventh Sikh Guru. Being one of the famous fairs of Northern India, this fair attracts thousands of devotees and visitors from across India and even abroad, collectively called the Sangat.

Jhanda Ji Mela

The roots of Jhanda Ji Mela trace back to the 17th century when Guru Ram Rai established his settlement, Dera, in the Doon Valley after being expelled by his father, Guru Har Rai. It was from here that the city of Dehradun got its name. Guru Ram Rai later established his spiritual center, Darbar Sahib, in Dehradun with the favor of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

The Jhanda Ji Mela not only marks the birthday of Shri Guru Ram Rai but also the anniversary of his arrival in the city and the establishment of the Darbar Sahib. Since Samvat 1733 (1676 AD), the occasion has been celebrated in his honor, and every year the Jhanda Ji (a huge flag) is hoisted to commemorate his sacred memory. The fair has hence been celebrated since the guru's time, making it a centuries-old tradition.

Guru Ram Rai Darbar

The Shri Mahant of Shri Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib travels 45 kilometers from Dehradun to the banks of the river Yamuna at Raiyanwala (Haryana) to invite and welcome the Sangat. The celebrations take place at the Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib in the heart of Dehradun.

The primary ritual of the Jhanda Ji Mela is the hoisting of a massive religious flag (Jhanda Ji) which is made from a 27-meter-long sal tree brought in from the nearby forest of Dundhali. It is bathed in milk, curd, and the holy water of River Ganga and covered in muslin cloth and scarves by devotees to have their wishes fulfilled. This sacred flag is unfurled on the fifth day after Holi, which marks the beginning of the fair.

The flagpole is changed every year, and the ritual is performed with great devotion. Devotees also offer clothes, sweets, and other items as a mark of reverence. The mela is also known for its langars (community kitchens), where free meals are served to all visitors, reflecting the Sikh and Hindu traditions of selfless service.

The fair is not just a religious event but also a vibrant cultural festival. It showcases the rich heritage of the region with folk music, devotional songs, and traditional performances. Traders and artisans from different parts of the country set up stalls selling handicrafts, clothes, and local delicacies.

For the people of Dehradun and nearby areas, Jhanda Ji Mela is a time of spiritual reflection, celebration, and social gathering. The fair fosters unity among different communities and preserves the legacy of Guru Ram Rai.

Jhanda Ji Mela is an integral part of Dehradun's cultural identity. With its deep historical roots and spiritual significance, it continues to draw large crowds every year. Whether one visits for religious reasons or to experience the vibrant fair atmosphere, Jhanda Ji Mela remains a cherished tradition in Uttarakhand's capital city.