Dehradun’s Historic Jhanda Mela: Start Date, Traditions & Cultural Significance

The preparations for Dehradun’s historic Jhanda Mela have begun with full enthusiasm. On March 19, the festival will officially commence with the hoisting of the sacred Jhande Ji. Before this, a special puja and ardas (prayer) were performed at Darbar Sri Guru Ram Rai Maharaj. Under the leadership of Sajjada Nashin and Mahant Devendra Das Maharaj, a delegation traveled to Araiyanwala, Haryana, for the ceremonial flag hoisting. As per tradition, the old flag was respectfully taken down, and the new Jhande Ji was bathed with milk, curd, ghee, butter, Ganga water, and Panchgavya before being raised to its 60-foot height. Thousands of devotees gathered and chanted praises of Sri Guru Ram Rai Maharaj throughout the ceremony.

As per the tradition, on March 8, the priests of Darbar Sahib and Mahant Devendra Das Maharaj’s team traveled to Bada Gaon, Haryana, with a formal decree (Hukamnama). This marks the beginning of the pilgrimage procession, with devotees starting their journey to Dehradun on foot. On March 12, the walking procession will enter Dehradun and reach Darbar Sahib in the evening. According to **Jhanda Mela Organizing Committee’s chief coordinator, Madhusudan