A portion of the 105 feet high new flag pole being hoisted at the historical Jhanda Mela broke down when it was nearly raised here on Friday. According to the police, eight persons were injured when a part of the wooden flag pole fell on them.
According to the management committee, it is being surmised that the consistent rain weakened the lower portion of the flag pole, causing it to crack.The Jhanda Mela began with religious fervour and enthusiasm as thousands gathered here on Friday morning. After various rituals during the day, the ritual raising of the new flag pole began at about 3 PM. As the flag pole was nearly raise, it broke from the lower portion due to which the part almost raised fell on the devotees standing below. The injured were taken by 108 ambulance service to the Mahant Indiresh hospital. The accident caused panic among the multitudes gathered on the occasion.
However, the police under the superintendent of police (City) Shweta Choubey handled the situation efficiently, controlling the crowds. The devotees were sent out of the Mela site towards Saharanpur Chowk and the injured were transported to the hospital.
Later, under the directions of the Mahant Devendra Dass, the devotees enthusiastically raise the flag pole at about 6:40 PM.
Earlier, during the morning, the rain could not dampen the enthusiasm of the devotees who gathered in multitudes to participate in the historic occasion. The old flag pole was lowered after which the new flag pole was ceremoniously bathed in holy items. After that, the various covers were put on the new flag pole.
Later in the evening after the successful raising of the new flag pole, the Mahant greeted the devotees and all people of the State on the occasion. He said that the Jhanda Mela sends the message of love, harmony and peace for all. Those who pay obeisance here have their wishes fulfilled. This is the reason why the faith of devotees in Jhanda Sahib has been growing stronger, he added. It is pertinent to mention here that apart from the locals, devotees from Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and even some foreign nations were present in the Jhanda Mela on Friday.