By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 1 Apr: Led by Mahant Devendra Das, the traditional ‘Nagar Parikrama’ took place, here, today. The Doonites welcomed the Parikrama with showering of flowers over the Sangat, throughout the route.
The parikrama is carried out on the third day of raising of the holy flagpole, which is also the birth anniversary of Guru Ram Rai. Doonites flocked in the thousands to give a hearty welcome to the procession. People had also arranged for langar for the devotees.
The procession started from Darbar Sahib premises at 7:30 a.m. It reached Shri Guru Ram Rai Public School, Bindal, via Saharanpur Chowk and Kanwali Road. Here the ‘Sangat’ devotees were distributed ‘prasad’ of ‘Chana’ ‘Murmura’ and ‘Gur’ (jaggery). From there, the ‘parikrama’ reached Tilak Road, Tagore Villa and then the Clock-tower. When it reached the Clock Tower, it was welcomed with the playing of dhols. Thousands had gathered at Clock Tower and nearby areas to witness the event. From there, the procession reached Lakhi Bagh Police Station through Paltan Bazar. Then it went on to Ritha Mandi and then reached Shri Guru Ram Rai Public School, Bombay Bagh. After this, the ‘Sangat’ went and bowed down at the cemetery of previous Mahants, the ‘Samadhi Sthal Shri Mahant Sahiban’. They then returned to the Darbar Sahib by 11:45 a.m. More than 25,000 devotees participated in the ‘Nagar Parikrama’.
Many dignitaries, MLAs and office-holders of different political parties, etc., welcomed the devotees with flowers.
The farewell of the ‘Sangat’ and ‘Masandas’ took place at Shri Darbar Sahib at 5 p.m. in the evening. At 6 p.m. in the evening, the ‘prasad’ (holy food) of happiness was distributed.
The Mahant thanked the Doonites for the success of the Jhande ji fair and the warm welcome offered to the devotees. He also expressed gratitude tothe police, administration, Nagar Nigam, media personnel and others for assisting in the successful holding of the Mela.