Jhanda Mela matches atmosphere of exciting cricket tie

Jhanda Mela matches atmosphere of exciting cricket tie

Raju Gusain
Dehradun: Scintillating! Electrifying! Or simply call it mind-boggling. People, people and more people all around. You find many sitting on branches of trees and other spectators with short height jumping desperately to get a glimpse of the happenings. In India, such scenes can only be witnessed in international cricket matches.

But, the atmosphere at the Jhanda Sahib was quite similar on Thursday. Thousands of devotees occupying every available space around the Jhanda Sahib. They were on balconies, roofs, window sills, etc. Some were more adventurous, and climbed trees to witness the start of the Jhanda fair with the hoisting of a new flag at the Durbar Sahib.

People shouting slogans in praise of Guru Ram Rai and elderly women chanting prayers with closed eyes made the atmosphere unforgettable, specially for a first timer.

The historic Jhanda fair stated here on a colourful note on Thursday with the traditional event of hoisting a new flag on a pole located at the Durbar Sahib. Thousands of devotees poured in from different parts of India, some from abroad, to participate in this annual fair.

The Darbar Sahib was jam-packed for the flag hoisting. Devotees took their seats as early as 7 AM to witness the inaugural event. Though the scene is familiar every year but this time the fair has witnessed record visitors.
The hoisting of the flag took place at 4 PM and was completed in less then 20 minutes. As the pole was lifted, all present clapped and shouted slogans in praise of Guru Ram Rai to charge the atmosphere.

The Jhanda Fair is held to mark the arrival of Guru Ram Rai in the Doon valley. It is believed that he came here in 1676 and established his 'Dera' (Camp) here. The name of Dehradun is believed to have originated from 'Dera'.
Forget cricket! Next year try the Jhanda fair to experience an atmosphere like an exciting one-day tie.

(Garhwal Post)