Jhanda Mela, also known as Jhande Ji Ka Mela, is one of the oldest and most significant religious fairs held in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Organised every year at Shri Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib, the fair attracts thousands of devotees from across Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and other parts of North India.
The highlight of the festival is the ceremonial replacement and hoisting of the sacred Jhanda Ji (holy flag), an age-old tradition associated with Shri Guru Ram Rai Ji. Along with its religious significance, the fair also features devotional gatherings, cultural activities and a vibrant marketplace.
Jhanda Mela continues to be one of the largest annual religious gatherings in Dehradun. Every year, thousands of devotees visit Shri Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib to participate in the sacred flag hoisting ceremony and seek blessings during the festival.
Jhanda Mela is celebrated every year to commemorate the arrival and legacy of Shri Guru Ram Rai Ji, the eldest son of the seventh Sikh Guru, Guru Har Rai Ji. The festival is observed during the Hindu month of Chaitra, shortly after Holi, and marks one of Dehradun's largest annual religious gatherings.
The main ceremony involves replacing the sacred flagpole (Jhanda Ji) at Shri Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib. Thousands of devotees gather to witness the traditional rituals and offer prayers for peace, prosperity and well-being.
The wooden flagpole is ceremonially wrapped with cloth and decorated before being erected inside the Darbar Sahib complex. Devotees also tie colourful scarves and offer prayers as part of the centuries-old tradition.
Shri Guru Ram Rai Ji, the eldest son of the seventh Sikh Guru, Guru Har Rai Ji, arrived in the Doon Valley during the 17th century and established his religious centre, now known as Shri Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib. Over time, the settlement around the Darbar became known as "Dehra", which later contributed to the city's name, Dehradun.
The tradition of Jhanda Mela has been observed for centuries to honour Guru Ram Rai Ji and his spiritual legacy. Every year, devotees gather to participate in the ceremonial flag replacement, making it one of the most important religious events in the region.
Jhanda Mela is organised every year during the Hindu month of Chaitra, usually in March or April, a few days after Holi. Visitors planning to attend the flag hoisting ceremony should arrive early in the morning, as the temple complex witnesses heavy crowds throughout the day.
By Road: Shri Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib is located around 5 km from Dehradun ISBT. Local buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws and Vikram shared vehicles are easily available.
By Rail: Dehradun Railway Station is approximately 1 km from the Darbar Sahib and can be reached on foot or by local transport.
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport is about 25 km away. Regular taxis connect the airport with the temple.
