Thousands throng Dehradun shrine for annual flag fair

Dehradun, Mar 29 : Thousands of Sikh devotees on Friday thronged the revered Ram Rai Sikh shrine here for the annual 'Jhanda Mela' or flag fair.

The festival takes place at the Ram Rai Gurudwara in Dehradun two days after the spring festival of Holi.

"The fair begins with the flag hoisting ceremony on the occasion of the birthday of Guru Ram Rai. People from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh throng the fair," said Devendra Das, shrine priest.

The devotees said the shrine holds a special place in their heart for it fulfils all their wishes.

"We have been coming here for a long time. Our ancestors also visited the place. Our wishes get fulfilled and this enhances our faith too," said Paramjeet, a devotee from Himachal Pradesh.

The shrine named after Ram Rai, the seventh Sikh guru was established in the 17th century in Dehradun.

A popular pilgrimage centre Ram Rai Gurudwara attracts devotees and tourists belonging to all sections of society irrespective of caste, creed, sect or religion.

ANI