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  • Jhanda Fair Festival or Jhande Ka Mela

    The Jhanda Fair in Dehradun is a vibrant religious festival celebrating flag hoisting, cultural procession, rituals, and local traditions, held every March.



Jhanda Fair Festival or Jhande Ka Mela - The Jhanda Fair, also known as Jhande Ka Mela, is a significant and vibrant festival celebrated in Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand, India. The festival is a religious and cultural celebration held annually, usually in the month of March, and it holds great importance among the local communities of the region. The word 'Jhanda' means 'flag' in Hindi, and the festival is dedicated to the worship of flags, which are raised in temples and religious places during the celebrations.

The Jhanda Fair marks a major cultural and religious gathering in Dehradun, drawing people from various parts of Uttarakhand and beyond. The festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm and fervour, and it showcases the rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted traditions of the region. Over time, the fair has grown into a massive celebration that blends religious reverence with entertainment, making it a significant event in the local calendar.

History of Jhanda Fair

The origins of the Jhanda Fair can be traced back to the early 19th century, with the festival being closely associated with the worship of the 'Jhanda' or the sacred flag. It is believed that the fair was initiated by the local people of Dehradun to honor and seek the blessings of their deities through the flag ceremony. The flag used in the rituals symbolizes the presence of divine powers, and it is hoisted with much reverence in temples during the festival.

The fair has historical significance as it represents the traditional customs of the local communities, especially the Hindu population in the region. Over the years, the festival has evolved into a large-scale celebration, with several religious, cultural, and social activities being conducted during the event. The religious significance of the Jhanda Fair is tied to the worship of gods and goddesses, and it is believed to bring prosperity, good health, and blessings to the devotees.

The Jhanda Fair is also associated with the famous Temple of Guru Ram Rai, a prominent shrine in Dehradun that is believed to be the center of the festival's activities. The fair has thus grown in scope and prominence over time, with people from various faiths and backgrounds participating in the festivities, creating a spirit of unity and cultural harmony.

Where is the Jhanda Fair Celebrated?

The Jhanda Fair is primarily celebrated in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, but the main venue for the festivities is the Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib, a historical Sikh temple dedicated to Guru Ram Rai, the eldest son of Guru Har Rai, the seventh Guru of the Sikhs. The temple holds immense religious significance for the people of Uttarakhand and beyond, and it is the focal point for the Jhanda Fair.

Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib is located in the heart of Dehradun, making it easily accessible to visitors from different parts of the region. During the festival, the temple complex becomes the hub of activities, including religious ceremonies, flag hoisting, processions, and cultural programs. Other areas around the temple, such as the markets and streets of Dehradun, also come alive with the festival atmosphere, where vendors sell religious items, food, and various artifacts.

When Does the Jhanda Fair Occur?

The Jhanda Fair is celebrated annually, and its date is primarily based on the Hindu calendar. It generally falls in the month of March, around the time of the festival of Holi, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout India. The fair is typically held over a period of 7-10 days, with the main events taking place over a weekend or on specific days dedicated to religious observances.

The festival's date may vary slightly from year to year, depending on the lunar calendar, but it generally coincides with the arrival of spring. The atmosphere during the festival is one of joy and celebration, with vibrant processions, rituals, and community participation creating a lively ambience. People often start preparing for the Jhanda Fair weeks in advance, decorating their homes, temples, and streets in anticipation of the celebrations.

Festival Attractions and Activities

The Jhanda Fair is a grand festival that attracts both locals and tourists, offering a blend of religious devotion, cultural traditions, and entertainment. Some of the key attractions and activities that make the Jhanda Fair special include:

  • Flag Hoisting and Religious Ceremonies: At the heart of the Jhanda Fair is the ritual of flag hoisting, which is performed with great reverence at the Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib. Devotees gather at the temple to witness the raising of the sacred flag, which symbolizes the blessings of the deities. The flag is often adorned with religious symbols and is seen as a sign of divine protection.

    Along with the flag hoisting, there are several religious ceremonies, including prayers, hymns, and offerings made to the gods. The temple is decorated with flowers, lights, and flags, creating a serene and sacred atmosphere for devotees. The flag hoisting marks the start of the festivities, and it is accompanied by the chanting of sacred mantras and prayers by the temple priests.

  • Processions and Cultural Celebrations: One of the most exciting aspects of the Jhanda Fair is the grand processions that take place through the streets of Dehradun. Devotees, religious leaders, and local people participate in these processions, which are characterized by colorful decorations, traditional music, and dance performances. The processions often involve large groups of people walking together, singing religious songs, and playing musical instruments.

    The processions culminate at the Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib, where the flag-hoisting ceremony takes place. The streets are adorned with lights, and the atmosphere is festive, with people singing bhajans (devotional songs) and performing traditional dances. These celebrations create a unique cultural experience, blending religious fervour with joyous celebration.

  • Religious Offerings and Rituals: During the Jhanda Fair, people visit the temple to offer prayers, light candles, and make offerings to the deities. The temple premises are filled with devotees, each seeking blessings and protection from the divine. Offerings such as fruits, sweets, and flowers are presented to the gods as a sign of respect and devotion.

    Special rituals are also conducted during the fair, with priests performing pujas (rituals) to invoke divine blessings. The chanting of sacred mantras and the ringing of temple bells add to the spiritual ambiance of the fair.

  • Traditional Food and Crafts: The fair is also a great opportunity to experience the local cuisine and traditional crafts of Uttarakhand. Street vendors set up stalls around the temple complex, offering a variety of delicious food items, including sweets, snacks, and local delicacies. Visitors can enjoy regional dishes such as “Aloo ke Gutke,” “Kachoris,” and “Bal Mithai,” a famous sweet from Uttarakhand.

    The fair also provides a platform for local artisans to showcase their handmade crafts, including woolen garments, jewelry, pottery, and wooden artifacts. The vibrant market atmosphere offers visitors a chance to shop for souvenirs and experience the culture of Uttarakhand.

  • Entertainment and Community Activities: The Jhanda Fair is not only a religious event but also a social and cultural gathering. Various entertainment activities, such as folk music performances, dance shows, and games, are held during the fair. Local artists and performers participate in these activities, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.

    The fair serves as a platform for the community to come together and celebrate their shared heritage, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness.

In conclusion, The Jhanda Fair, or Jhande Ka Mela, is an important cultural and religious festival that celebrates the traditions and values of the people of Dehradun and Uttarakhand. It brings together devotees from all walks of life and creates an atmosphere of unity, joy, and devotion. The festival's mix of religious rituals, cultural activities, and community participation makes it a unique experience that offers insight into the cultural fabric of the region. For those visiting Dehradun during the festival, the Jhanda Fair is an opportunity to witness the beauty of Uttarakhand’s religious practices and enjoy the festivities that bring the city to life. With its rich history, religious significance, and vibrant celebrations, the Jhanda Fair remains a cherished event in the heart of the people of Dehradun.