Dehradun Jhanda JI Mela
Dehradun Jhanda JI Mela is a popular annual fair held in the city of Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. The fair is celebrated on the fifth day after Holi, which usually falls in the month of March or April. The fair is dedicated to Guru Ram Rai, the founder of Dehradun, and is considered to be one of the most significant events in the region.
During the fair, a colorful flag is hoisted at the Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib, which is a prominent Sikh temple in the city. The flag is believed to have been presented to Guru Ram Rai by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The flag is also known as the Jhanda, and the fair is named after it.
The fair attracts a large number of people from all over the state, who come to participate in the festivities. The fairgrounds are filled with stalls selling a variety of items such as handicrafts, clothes, and food. There are also cultural programs, music and dance performances, and competitions such as wrestling matches.
The Dehradun Jhanda JI Mela is an important event for the local community, and it provides a platform for people to come together and celebrate their traditions and culture. It is a vibrant and colorful festival that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region.
In addition to the cultural programs and competitions, the Dehradun Jhanda JI Mela also features a carnival-like atmosphere with rides, games, and other fun activities for people of all ages. There are also a variety of street food vendors offering local delicacies and other treats.
One of the main highlights of the fair is the procession that takes place on the first day of the fair. The procession is led by the Jhanda, which is carried on the shoulders of devotees. The procession passes through the city’s streets, and people line up to offer their respects and seek blessings.
Another important aspect of the Dehradun Jhanda JI Mela is its religious significance. The fair is held in honor of Guru Ram Rai, who is considered to be a revered figure in the Sikh community. The fair provides an opportunity for devotees to offer their prayers and seek blessings from the Guru.
Overall, the Dehradun Jhanda JI Mela is a vibrant and festive event that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the region. It is a time for people to come together, participate in cultural activities, and enjoy the various offerings of the fair. The fair has become an important part of the city’s identity, and it continues to attract visitors from all over the country.
read -> Jhanda Ji Mela History: Sangat reaches Doon from country and abroad, this history of Jhande ji fair is the reason for unwavering faith
Jhanda JI Mela History
The history of the Dehradun Jhanda JI Mela dates back to the 17th century when Guru Ram Rai, the seventh Guru of the Udasi sect of Sikhism, founded the city of Dehradun. Guru Ram Rai had been exiled from his native village in Punjab and had settled in the valley of Doon.
According to legend, Guru Ram Rai had once cured a local king of an incurable disease. In return, the king had gifted him a flag, which is said to be the same flag that is hoisted during the Jhanda JI Mela. The flag, also known as the Jhanda, is believed to possess mystical powers and is considered to be a symbol of the Guru’s spiritual authority.
The Jhanda was hoisted for the first time in 1676, and the event has been celebrated every year since then. The fair has evolved over the years and has become an important cultural event in the region. The fair provides a platform for people to come together, celebrate their traditions and culture, and seek blessings from the Guru.
The Jhanda JI Mela has also played an important role in the history of Dehradun. During the British colonial era, the fair was one of the few public gatherings where people could express their cultural identity and assert their independence. The fair became a rallying point for the people of the region, and it played a significant role in shaping the city’s identity.
Today, the Dehradun Jhanda JI Mela continues to be an important cultural event in the region. It is a time for people to come together, participate in cultural activities, and enjoy the various offerings of the fair. The fair is a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the region and serves as a reminder of the role that the Jhanda and the Guru have played in shaping the city’s identity.
Uttarakhand, India. The fair is celebrated on the fifth day after the Hindu festival of Holi, which usually falls in March or April. The fair is dedicated to Guru Ram Rai, the founder of Dehradun, who was a Sikh Guru and a renowned saint.
The history of the fair dates back to the 17th century, when Guru Ram Rai, along with his followers, settled in Dehradun after being exiled from Punjab. It is said that Guru Ram Rai cured a local king of an incurable disease, and in return, the king gifted him a flag. This flag, also known as the Jhanda, is believed to possess mystical powers and is considered to be a symbol of the Guru’s spiritual authority.
The Jhanda JI Mela is celebrated to commemorate the hoisting of the flag for the first time by Guru Ram Rai in 1676. The fair has been celebrated every year since then and has become an important cultural event in the region. The fair provides a platform for people to come together, celebrate their traditions and culture, and seek blessings from the Guru.
During the fair, a grand procession is taken out, which starts from the Darbar Sahib Gurudwara and passes through the city’s streets. The procession is led by the Jhanda, which is carried on the shoulders of devotees. The fairgrounds are filled with stalls selling a variety of items such as handicrafts, clothes, and food. There are also cultural programs, music and dance performances, and competitions such as wrestling matches.
The fair has played an important role in the history of Dehradun. During the British colonial era, the fair was one of the few public gatherings where people could express their cultural identity and assert their independence. The fair became a rallying point for the people of the region, and it played a significant role in shaping the city’s identity.
Today, the Dehradun Jhanda JI Mela continues to be an important cultural event in the region. It is a time for people to come together, participate in cultural activities, and enjoy the various offerings of the fair.
The fair is a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the region and serves as a reminder of the role that the Jhanda and the Guru have played in shaping the city’s identity.
What is Darshani Gilaf
Darshani Gilaf is a piece of cloth or a veil that covers the holy book of Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib. The word “Darshani” means “to see” or “to view,” and “Gilaf” means “covering” or “veil.” Therefore, the Darshani Gilaf is a veil that is used to cover the Guru Granth Sahib, which is considered the living Guru of the Sikh religion.
The Darshani Gilaf is made of a high-quality cloth, such as silk or satin,
and is usually embroidered with intricate designs and patterns.It is usually draped over
the Guru Granth Sahib by a Granthi, who is a person trained in the recitation and interpretation of the Guru Granth Sahib. The Darshani Gilaf serves as a sign of respect and reverence for the holy book and is used to protect it from dust and other impurities.
During Sikh religious ceremonies and functions, the Darshani Gilaf is an essential part of the proceedings. It is used to cover the Guru Granth Sahib when it is not being read or recited. The Darshani Gilaf is also used to cover the Guru Granth Sahib during transportation from one place to another.
In addition to its practical purposes, the Darshani Gilaf also has spiritual significance for Sikhs. It symbolizes the importance of respect, humility, and reverence for the Guru Granth Sahib, which is considered the eternal guide and spiritual teacher for the Sikh community.
The Darshani Gilaf is usually made of high-quality cloth such as silk, satin, or velvet. The cloth is often embroidered with intricate designs, patterns, and religious symbols, such as the Khanda, the Sikh symbol of faith, or the Ik Onkar, the symbol of one God in Sikhism.
When the Guru Granth Sahib is not being read or recited, it is covered with the Darshani Gilaf. The Granthi, who is a trained reader and interpreter of the Guru Granth Sahib,
is responsible for placing the Darshani Gilaf over the holy book. The Darshani Gilaf is also used to cover the Guru Granth Sahib during transportation from one place to another.
The use of the Darshani Gilaf serves a practical purpose in protecting the Guru Granth Sahib from dust, dirt, and other impurities. However, it also serves a spiritual purpose in reminding Sikhs of the importance of respect, humility, and reverence towards the holy book.
The Darshani Gilaf is an important part of Sikh religious ceremonies and functions, including weddings, funerals, and other religious events. During these events,
the Guru Granth Sahib is placed on a raised platform called a Manji Sahib and covered with the Darshani Gilaf.
In addition to its use during religious ceremonies, the Darshani Gilaf also has a symbolic significance. It represents the importance of humility and respect towards the Guru Granth Sahib, which is considered the living Guru of the Sikh religion. The use of the Darshani Gilaf reminds Sikhs of the importance of treating the Guru Granth Sahib with reverence and devotion, and of the central role that the holy book plays in their spiritual and religious lives.