- Shri Mahant Devendra Das Ji Maharaj issued the necessary guidelines to the fair management committee regarding preparations.
- The ceremonial hoisting of Shri Jhande Ji will take place on March 8 at the Darbar Shri Guru Ram Rai Ji Maharaj complex in Dehradun.
Preparations for the grand Shri Jhande Ji Fair - an extraordinary confluence of faith, tradition, and enthusiasm in the capital city of Dehradun - have begun in full swing. On Friday, the ceremonial hoisting of Shri Jhande Ji was performed in Arainyawala, Haryana. The Sajjada Gaddinashin of Darbar Shri Guru Ram Rai Ji Maharaj, Shri Mahant Devendra Dass Ji Maharaj, issued essential instructions to the fair management committee regarding the arrangements.
It is noteworthy that the Shri Jhanda Fair is not merely an event but a living expression of devotion, dedication, and the Guru tradition. Millions of devotees and followers from across the country and abroad participate, offering their श्रद्धा (faith and reverence).
On Friday, special worship and Ardas of Shri Jhanda Sahib were conducted at Darbar Shri Guru Ram Rai Ji Maharaj. Amid religious rituals and chanting of mantras, the atmosphere became deeply devotional. Under the leadership of Shri Mahant Devendra Das Ji Maharaj, a 100-member group departed for Arainyawala, Haryana, where the ceremonial hoisting of Shri Jhande Ji was carried out with great reverence and enthusiasm in an emotionally charged environment.
The group left Darbar Shri Guru Ram Rai Ji Maharaj at 9:00 a.m. and reached Arainyawala at 12:10 p.m. As per tradition, the old Shri Jhande Ji was respectfully taken down with devotion. Thereafter, after a sacred bath with milk, curd, ghee, butter, Ganga water, and Panchgavya, the 60-foot-high Shri Jhande Ji was grandly hoisted in the presence of thousands of devotees. The atmosphere resonated with chants praising the glory of Guru Maharaj. Many devotees bowed in deep devotion. Following the ceremony, prasad and langar were distributed, in which a large number of devotees participated reverently.
According to religious belief, Shri Jhande Ji symbolizes the eternal flame of the Guru tradition, sacrifice, service, and the message of humanity. Through this fair, the teachings of Guru Maharaj—love, brotherhood, and harmony-are widely propagated. Devotees believe that having darshan of Shri Jhande Ji and serving in the fair brings happiness, peace, and spiritual energy into life.
As per tradition, on February 25, the priest of Shri Darbar Sahib departed for Badagaon, Haryana, carrying the Hukamnama of Shri Mahant Devendra Das Ji Maharaj. Thereafter, the foot procession (padyatra) of devotees proceeds towards Dehradun. This pilgrimage stands as a unique example of faith, discipline, and collective devotion, with devotees moving forward while singing bhajans and kirtans.
On February 28, the foot procession will be welcomed at Shri Guru Ram Rai Public School, Sahaspur. On March 1, the devotees will enter Dehradun, where grand welcome preparations are being made at Kanwali village by Shri Darbar Sahib management and the Shri Jhanda Ji Fair Organizing Committee. At Darshani Gate, the devotees will be greeted with flower showers, bands, and chants. They will receive blessings from Shri Mahant Devendra Das Ji Maharaj and thereafter enter Shri Darbar Sahib. Bhajan-kirtan and special Ardas will be organized on this occasion, filling the entire atmosphere with spiritual joy.
Shri Jhanda Ji Fair Officer Vijay Gulati stated that preparations for the fair are being finalized. The Shri Darbar Sahib complex is being decorated with attractive lighting, colorful illuminations, floral decorations, and grand entrance gates. Special arrangements have been ensured for drinking water, medical aid, security, cleanliness, and traffic management for the convenience of devotees.
After Holi, the arrival of devotees from across the country and abroad will intensify, and the entire Dehradun will be immersed in the colors of faith and festivity. On March 7, as per tradition, the eastern congregation will bid farewell, and on March 8, with the grand hoisting of Shri Jhande Ji, this year’s fair will formally commence.
The Shri Jhande Ji Fair is not only a center of religious faith but also a symbol of social harmony, service spirit, and cultural unity. Like every year, this year too the fair will prove to be a unique festival of spiritual energy, devotion, and joy for devotees.