An ocean of faith at Shri Darbar Sahib, millions of heads bowed before the flag.
Dronnagari echoed with the chants of Shri Guru Ram Rai Ji Maharaj and Shri Mahant Devendra Das Ji Maharaj.
The hoisting of the flag took place at 4:12 pm at Sri Darbar Sahib.
Dehradun: “The flag has been hoisted, Dehradun! Let the congregation celebrate with joy, let’s celebrate the birthday of the Sadguru with joy! Look, look, the flag of the Guru has been hoisted!” As these reverent voices echoed through the Darbar Sri Guru Ram Rai Ji Maharaj premises, the entire atmosphere was filled with devotion and faith. On Sunday, in the presence of millions of devotees and residents of Dehradun, the grand hoisting of the historic flag was held on the occasion of Sri Guru Ram Rai Ji Maharaj’s birthday.
As the hoisting ceremony commenced, following the message of Sri Darbar Sahib’s Sajjade Gaddi Nashin, Shri Mahant Devendra Das Ji Maharaj, the entire Dronnagari resounded with chants of Sri Guru Maharaj Ji. At exactly 4:12 p.m., the hoisting of the 94-foot-high sacred Shri Jhanda 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 to the beats of drums. With this, the Shri Jhanda Ji Fair, Dehradun’s historical and cultural heritage, was formally inaugurated.
A sea of people gathered in the Mahakumbh of faith
Even before sunrise on Sunday, a massive crowd of devotees thronged the Sri Darbar Sahib complex and surrounding areas. Devotees from across the country and abroad bowed their heads before Sri Jhanda Ji with reverence and devotion, and considered their lives blessed by the darshan of Sri Guru Maharaj Ji. There was not even space for a sesame seed in the entire complex. Everyone seemed eager to receive Guru Maharaj’s blessings and bow before Shri Jhanda Sahib.
Holy bath with milk, ghee, honey, and Ganga water
Special prayers began at 7 a.m. At 8:30 a.m., devotees lowered the sacred flagpole, Shri Jhanda Ji, and performed the ritualistic worship. With utmost devotion, the Sangat anointed the sacred flag with milk, ghee, honey, Ganga water, and Panchagavya. Following this, the process of placing the 94-foot-tall Shri Jhanda Ji, first with plain and chenille covers, began. A special tradition is observed during this process. The Shri Jhanda Ji is not placed on the ground for even a moment; instead, the Sangat holds it in their hands.
A wave of devotion surged as the Darshani Gilaph was placed
As soon as the Darshani Gilaph was placed, at around 1:30 p.m., the Sangat’s emotions overflowed. Thousands of devotees appeared eager to attain merit by touching the sacred cover. The atmosphere was filled with a wonderful confluence of devotion, faith, and the glory of the Guru.
Dronnagari illuminated by the Guru’s grace
As soon as Shri Jhanda Sahib, adorned with new velvet cloth and golden beads, was hoisted, the entire complex resounded with cheers. Devotees, holding wooden scissors, participated in raising the sacred flag to its height. This scene became a unique example of devotion, dedication, and love for the Guru.
“May the blessings of Shri Guru Ram Rai Ji Maharaj always remain upon the countrymen.”
After hoisting Shri Jhanda Ji, Shri Mahant Devendra Das Ji Maharaj extended his heartfelt greetings to the people of the country, the state, and the Sangat on the occasion of the Shri Jhanda Ji Mahotsav. He said that this fair conveys the message of love, goodwill, brotherhood, joy, and peace. He said that bowing before Shri Jhanda Ji fulfills the wishes of devotees, which is why devotees from India and abroad await this sacred occasion every year. He prayed that the infinite blessings of Shri Guru Ram Rai Ji Maharaj remain upon the people of the country, the state, and the Sangat.
The sight of the eagle was considered a divine sight.
After the hoisting of Shri Jhanda Ji, an eagle circled Shri Jhanda Ji. Devotees consider this, as every year, a symbol of the subtle divine presence of Shri Guru Ram Rai Ji Maharaj. This remarkable sight deepened the Sangat’s devotion, and the entire complex was filled with devotional joy.
LED Screens and Live Broadcast on Social Media
To reach as many devotees as possible with the divine spectacle of the fair, five large LED screens were installed this year. The hoisting of Shri Jhanda Ji was also broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube. The impressive coverage provided by drone cameras was a major draw for the devotees.
Sangats from India and abroad arrived here.
Sangats from various states of the country, including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh, arrived here. Sangats from abroad also visited Shri Jhanda Ji on this divine occasion and praised the glory of Shri Guru Maharaj Ji. Devotees were seen singing hymns and dancing to the beats of drums.
A Dip of Faith in the Holy Lake
Devotees bathed in the holy lake at Shri Darbar Sahib and received the blessings of Shri Guru Maharaj Ji. Long queues of devotees formed here since morning.
Gratitude Expressed to the Police, Administration, and Media
The Shri Jhanda Ji Mela Organizing Committee expressed gratitude to the police, administration, media, and the people of Doon for their support in the successful organization of the fair. Vijay Gulati, the committee’s fair officer, expressed his gratitude on behalf of all the officials and members.