Chandigarh: The annual Hola Mohalla festival will be celebrated with religious fervour and enthusiasm at Sri Anandpur Sahib from February 27 to March 3.
The Punjab government and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) are jointly making elaborate arrangements for the mega religious congregation. Authorities have reiterated that the event will be kept free from political activity.
Punjab education minister Harjot Singh Bains, after holding a high-level review meeting with the district administration, announced several measures for the convenience of devotees. An eight-acre tent city and a dedicated trolley city will be set up to accommodate visiting sangat.
The administration will also establish 25 parking zones, besides deploying 60 shuttle buses and 100 e-rickshaws to facilitate smooth transportation during the five-day event.
Rupnagar deputy commissioner Aditya Dachwal held a coordination meeting with the officiating Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, to ensure seamless administrative and religious coordination.
As per directives issued by Sikh jathedars in 2018, political conferences remain strictly prohibited during Hola Mohalla. With Punjab assembly elections due next year, the event is being viewed as politically sensitive, though the administration has maintained that it will retain its purely religious and spiritual character.
Hola Mohalla was initiated in 1701 by Guru Gobind Singh ji. The festival symbolises the martial spirit and preparedness of the Khalsa. Nihang Singh warriors traditionally showcase horse riding, gatka demonstrations and take out grand processions, reflecting the valour and discipline of Sikh heritage.
