Start of Hola Mohalla in Kiratpur Sahib

With the sounds of drums at Qila Anandgarh Sahib, the first part of the Hola Mohalla celebration got underway today in Kiratpur Sahib.

Nihangs will parade at Anandpur Sahib on March 26 to mark the end of the festival.

At Gurdwara Patalpuri Sahib, Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar Giani Sultan Singh led ardas. The Jathedar advised young people to abstain from improper behavior and to adhere to “maryada.”

The six-day celebration will draw almost 30 lakh people. There would also be games like gatka, horseback riding, archery, and “dastarbandi,” or turban tying. Locals have established more than 250 communal kitchens, and a large police presence has been encamped to monitor troublemakers.