Regal origin of Dehradun relived by 347-year-old Jhandeji Mela every year

Guru Ram Rai Maharaj, the elder son of the seventh Guru Harrai Maharaj of the Sikh dynasty, fired arrows in all four directions and ordered his followers to stay on that land as far as the arrows reached. Many companians of the Maharaj set up their camps there which was called 'Deradun'. It happened in 1676 and the name was later changed to Dehradun during British rule.

Dehradun: The historic flag fair in the capital Dehradun for over 347 years will be held on Sunday. Every year Jhande Mela is organized on the fifth day of Holi. This fair will continue till the next month. Seeing its grandeur and the arrival of huge congregations, the Dehradun district administration starts preparing for it several days in advance.

Not only from all parts of the country but also from abroad, people reach Jhandaji Mela. As per records, Guru Ram Rai Maharaj, the elder son of the seventh Guru Harrai Maharaj of the Sikh dynasty, went on an excursion with his companions after taking renunciation. He reached Dehradun in the year 1675 on the Panchami day of Chaitra month Krishna Paksha.

In 1676, the next year of Guru Ram Rai Maharaj's arrival in Dehradun, his birthday was celebrated by the Sangat to make it memorable. After this, the Jhande ji fair started. Since then every year this festival was celebrated as a fair. At that time Dehradun used to be a small village. When Guru Ram Rai Maharaj was on tour with his companions, the leg of Guru Ram Rai Maharaj's horse got stuck in the ground near Khudbuda in Dehradun.

Later, Guru Ram Rai Maharaj decided to stay in this area. He also ordered the Sangats to stay the same. After this, he made this area his workplace. Mughal ruler Aurangzeb got information about this. Aurangzeb instructed King Fateh Shah of Garhwal region to take special care of Maharaj. Born in Punjab, Guru Ram Rai Maharaj was endowed with 'supernatural powers' since childhood.

Mughal ruler Aurangzeb was greatly influenced by the supernatural powers of Guru Ram Rai, as per historians. Aurangzeb had given the title of Hindu Pir i.e. Maharaj to Guru Ram Rai. Not only this, Maharaj adopted Vairagya after acquiring immense knowledge at a young age. Raja Fateh Shah requested Maharaj to make a camp in Dehradun itself.

Guru Ram Rai Maharaj fired arrows in all four directions for Sangat to stay here. In such a situation, Guru Ram Rai Maharaj ordered his Sangat to stay on that land as far as Maharaj's arrows reached. A large number of Sangat present with the Maharaj made their camp in this area. After which the name of this small village was 'Deradun'. The name changed to Dehradun during British rule.

Since the beginning of Jhanda Ji Mela in Dehradun, the process of Sangat coming from all over the country has started. Due to the arrival of a large number of devotees, arranging food became a big challenge for Maharaj. Because of this Guru Ram Rai Maharaj established a common hearth in the court during that time. Food was arranged for all the devotees coming from all over the country as well as for the Sangat living with Maharaj. Also, no one who came to Darbar Sahib went hungry.

Mahants of Darbar Sahib:

1. From 1687 to 1741 - Mahant Auddas held the throne of Darbar Sahib.
2. From 1741 to 1766 - Mahant Harprasad held the throne of Darbar Sahib.
3. Mahant Harsevak held the throne of Darbar Sahib from 1766 to 1818.
4. From 1818 to 1842, Mahant Swaroop Das held the throne of Darbar Sahib.
5. Mahant Pritam Das held the throne of Darbar Sahib from 1842 to 1854.
6. Mahant Narayan Das held the throne of Darbar Sahib from 1854 to 1885.
7. From 1885 to 1896, Mahant Prayag Das held the throne of Darbar Sahib.
8. Mahant Laxman Das held the throne of Darbar Sahib from 1896 to 1945.
9. Mahant Indresh Charan Das held the throne of Darbar Sahib from 1945 to 2000.
10. From 2000 to the present time, Mahant Devendra Das is handling the throne of Darbar Sahib.