The six-day national Sikh festival Hola Mohalla will commence late tonight from Kila Anandgarh Sahib with ceremonial beats on five historic nagaras, marking the traditional beginning of the grand celebrations.
According to details, the first phase of the festival will be observed from February 27 to March 1 at Kiratpur Sahib. The second and most significant phase will take place from March 2 to March 4 at Anandpur Sahib, the birthplace of the Khalsa Panth.
On March 4, a grand Mahalla procession will be organized under the leadership of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and Akali Nihang Budha Dal, with participation from various Nihang Singh groups. As per tradition, a two-day International Gatka Competition will also be held at the Budha Dal camp.
To ensure smooth and safe conduct of the event, around 4,500 police personnel will be deployed across the mela area. CCTV cameras have been installed throughout the city for round-the-clock surveillance.
The district administration has imposed a complete ban on the sale of colors, bhang, and begging during the festival. Liquor vends in Anandpur Sahib will remain closed throughout Hola Mohalla.
Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, has appealed to devotees to participate in large numbers and maintain discipline during the celebrations.
Hola Mohalla, a symbol of Khalsa valour and high spirits, attracts lakhs of devotees every year who gather in Anandpur Sahib to pay obeisance. Elaborate arrangements have been made by the SGPC to facilitate the visiting sangat.
