Shri Guru Ram Rai, the 7th Sikh Guru, established the famous Ram Rai Gurudwara in the early 17th century in Dehradun.
Ram Rai Gurudwara is one of the oldest Gurudwaras in this hill station that has gained the accolades as a popular pilgrimage centre. Built with the patronage of the then ruler of Dehradun, Ram Rai Gurudwara boasts of a legend behind the construction of it.
It says that Guru Ram Rai was thrown away from his native place, settled down at the valley and constructed this shrine
This gurudwara houses all the features of a typical Sikh shrine. The most holy book Adigrantha adorns the center of the shrine. Other important places include places like the large dining room where meals are served to all at free of cost and the free utility rooms.
Like all other Gurudwaras, here also all are welcomed to offer their prayers irrespective of their caste and creed.
Jhanda Fair :
The 309-year-old fair stands for religious harmony and is celebrated to mark the birth of Guru Ram Rai. The day is also important in the history of Doon, as the city took its name after Guru Ram Rai established his ‘dera’ here.This is one of the most popular fairs in the region, which is a perfect blend of Hindu, Sikh and Muslim cultures and evidently reveals its pluralistic nature.
It begins on the 5th day of Chaitra (fifth day from Holi), the birthday of Guru
Every year, hoisting of the holy mast takes place in the courtyard of Shri Guru Ram Rai Darbar situated in downtown Dehradun, where the Guru established his Dera. Large groups of devotees gather from Punjab, western districts of Uttar Pradesh and also from different parts of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh to participate in the auspicious occasion. The crowds consisting of men, women and children of different age groups participating in the fair are called the Sangat.The sight of lifting and raising up of the Jhanda is attractive and memorable. The incumbent Mahant hoists the colourful and sacredly decorated Jhanda at the scheduled time in the afternoon. After taking the holy dip in a large Sarovar (pond) in front of Darbar Sahib, thousands of devotees start assembling hours before the ceremony to have darshan of Jhanda Sahib.Ram Rai, coinciding with his arrival at Doon on fifth Vadi of Chaitra in Samvat 1733 (1676 AD).
The Jhanda fair is held in the periphery of the Darbar Sahib reflecting the splendour of Mughal architecture and lasts for 15 to 20 days.
It attracts the local populace in large numbers. The place all around is huddled with shops, exhibitions, swings, and merry-go-round for entertainment of all.
The deep faith and adoration of devotees thronging to the fair in large number from various places is worth experiencing.
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