As the vibrance of Holi colours fade, there comes to life a 347-year-old tradition in Dehradun — the Jhanda Mela.
Held at the historic Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib, this grand affair is a celebration of faith, unity and culture. Annually, on the fifth day after Holi, devotees and visitors from across India throng to Doon to witness the ceremonial hoisting of the flag (thus, the 'Jhanda' in the fete name), partaking in these larger-than-life festivities.
Dating back to the 17th century, the tradition revolves around the esteemed Guru Ram Rai, the eldest son of the seventh Sikh Guru. He is known to establish a 'Dera' or settlement in Doon Valley, as it turned in the Dehradun we see today. Here, he constructed the Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib and hoisted the flag, marking the inception of the Jhanda Mela tradition.
Besides the ritual of a fresh, towering flag being hoisted every day, this spiritual event includes worshippers chanting hymns and offering prayers. Thousands of people (Sangat) take part in the ceremony yearly, making it one of the largest fairs in the country.
While promoting inclusivity and communal harmony, this cultural spectacle transforms the streets of Dehradun into a lively carnival. The markets of the town are filled with endless stalls of traditional arts and crafts, a host of street food stalls brimming with local delicacies and folk performances, all showcasing Uttarakhand’s rich heritage.
If you're new in Doon, Jhanda Mela is an experience that you must have, for this 15-day affair, embedded deep in history, is a colourful confluence of cultures, crafts and communities.
As of the previous day, 25,000 devotees from all around the nation have joined in this glorious fair already, at the Shri Jhanda Ji Mela Nagar Parikrama.
When: Till April 6
Where: Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib, Dehradun
