The Jhanda Mela is the fair that Dehradun grew up around. It's held every year at Guru Ram Rai's Darbar Sahib in the old city, and it marks his arrival in the valley in the 1670s. Lakhs of people come for the first day, many of them from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.
When is Jhanda Mela in 2027?
The mela begins on the fifth day after Holi, the Panchami of Chaitra Krishna Paksha. Holi falls on Monday, 22 March 2027, so the Jhanda Mela should begin in the last week of March. Darbar Sahib announces the exact date closer to the time, so check before you plan around it.
The story behind it
Guru Ram Rai was the elder son of Guru Har Rai, the seventh Sikh Guru. He reached the Doon valley in 1675 and set up his camp, his "dera", here. The fair began the following year, on his birthday. The camp is where the name comes from: "Dera Dun" became Dehradun.
Guru Ram Rai also started a community kitchen at the Darbar so that no visitor went hungry. The langar still runs during the mela. Darbar Sahib is the seat of the Udasin sect, and Mahant Devendra Das has headed it since 2000.
The flag ceremony
The centre of the mela is the Jhanda Ji, a flag on a pole about 100 feet tall in the Darbar Sahib courtyard. On the first day, the old flag is brought down. Devotees bathe the pole with milk, curd, ghee, Ganga water and honey. Then it's dressed in fresh covers, called gilaaf, and raised again.
The pole carries about 60 covers: 20 of velvet, 40 of cotton and a single darshani gilaaf. Pilgrims offer them as thanks or to fulfil a wish, and the chance to offer the darshani gilaaf is booked years ahead. The Tribune reported one devotee from Punjab who had booked it 25 years earlier.
The fair
The main ceremony is on the first day, and the mela continues for several days after, with crowds through the old city around Jhanda Bazaar.
Visiting tips
Go early on the first day if you want to see the flag raised. The crowds build quickly through the morning.
Roads around Darbar Sahib and the Clock Tower are heavily congested during the mela. Park well away and walk, or take an auto.
Take off your shoes where asked inside Darbar Sahib.
Frequently asked questions
When is Jhanda Mela 2027?
It begins five days after Holi. With Holi on 22 March 2027, the mela should start in the last week of March. Check Darbar Sahib's announcement for the exact date.
Where is Jhanda Mela held?
At Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib in the old city of Dehradun, near Jhanda Bazaar.
Why is Jhanda Mela celebrated?
It marks Guru Ram Rai's arrival in the Doon valley in 1675 and is held around his birthday.
How long does Jhanda Mela last?
The main flag ceremony is on the first day, and the fair continues for several days after.
Find more on Doon Dekho
Darbar Sahib has its own page on Doon Dekho with directions. Read our guide to temples in Dehradun, or Holi in Dehradun for the week before.