A Stream of Doon Residents Now Flocks to Seek Blessings at Shri Jhande Ji
• Devotees arriving in large numbers from Dehradun and surrounding areas to pay homage
• Local residents now adding to the vibrancy of the Shri Jhande Ji Festival
Dehradun: The historic Shri Jhande Ji Festival—which commenced on March 8th within the Shri Darbar Sahib complex with the ceremonial hoisting of Shri Jhande Ji—is currently at its zenith. While congregations (*Sangats*) arriving from across the country and abroad have returned to their respective hometowns after witnessing the hoisting ceremony, a continuous stream of devotees and congregations from Dehradun and its surrounding regions is now making its way toward Shri Darbar Sahib. With immense faith, devotees are paying homage and seeking blessings at Shri Jhande Ji and the Darbar of Shri Guru Ram Rai Ji Maharaj, thereby further enhancing the festive atmosphere of the fair.
Following the hoisting of Shri Jhande Ji on March 8th, the fair witnessed a massive surge of devotees on March 15th, marking the first Sunday of the festival. Being a holiday, the Shri Darbar Sahib complex and the fairgrounds remained bustling with activity right from the morning hours. On Saturday as well, a large number of devotees from Dehradun and neighboring areas arrived at the Darbar of Shri Guru Ram Rai Ji Maharaj to bow their heads in reverence at Shri Jhande Ji and offer their prayers for the fulfillment of their wishes.
The *Sajjada Nashin* (spiritual successor) of the Darbar of Shri Guru Ram Rai Ji Maharaj, Shri Mahant Devendra Das Ji Maharaj, granted *Darshan* (audience) to the devotees, bestowed his blessings upon them, and extended his best wishes for the Shri Jhande Ji Fair. He affirmed that, by the grace of Shri Guru Ram Rai Ji Maharaj, every devotee’s life is filled with abundance, and their heartfelt desires are fulfilled.
The sprawling marketplace established on the occasion of the Shri Jhande Ji Festival is currently teeming with the residents of Dehradun. Significant crowds of people can be seen shopping at the stalls set up by merchants who have traveled from far and wide to participate in the fair. People are thoroughly enjoying the festivities as they browse and purchase items ranging from colorful merchandise and traditional goods to toys, sweets, and household essentials. Over the past few days, the influx of visitors to the fairgrounds has been so overwhelming that there is scarcely enough room left to stand. The various rides and entertainment attractions set up at the fair have become a focal point of attraction for children and the youth. The vibrancy of the rides and the sound of children’s laughter are infusing the entire atmosphere of the fair with life.
Meanwhile, the beauty of the sacred Sarovar (holy tank) situated at Sri Darbar Sahib is truly a sight to behold these days. Illuminated by captivating electrical decorations and lighting, the Sarovar presents a magnificent and enchanting spectacle at night. Devotees can be seen pausing around the Sarovar to gaze upon this divine aura. Large numbers of people are observed taking photographs here with their families and friends.
As evening falls, the liveliness at the fairgrounds intensifies even further. Devotees are seen enjoying the hustle and bustle of the fair and the vibrancy of the marketplace, alongside offering their prayers. Adorned with faith, jubilation, and rich cultural hues, this historic fair continues to serve as a special center of attraction for the residents of Doon as well as visitors arriving from outside the city.