Sri Anandpur Sahib: The sacred city of Sri Anandpur Sahib is set to resonate with the sound of ancient traditions as the six-day national festival of Hola Mohalla officially begins late tonight, Thursday, February 26, 2026. The festivities will be inaugurated with the traditional sounding of five historic “nagaras” (kettle drums) at Qila Anandgarh Sahib, marking the start of a period dedicated to the celebration of Khalsa valour and spiritual heritage.
According to the official schedule, the festival will unfold in two distinct phases. The first phase will be held at the holy site of Kiratpur Sahib from February 27 to March 1. Following this, the second and most significant stage of the festival will commence at Sri Anandpur Sahib—the birthplace of the Khalsa—from March 2 through March 4. The grand culmination of the event will take place on March 4, featuring a massive “Mahalla” procession organized by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Nihang Singh organizations, including the Budha Dal.
Security and administrative preparations have been finalized to accommodate the millions of devotees expected to descend upon the region. The district administration has deployed approximately 4,500 police personnel across the fairgrounds to ensure public safety, complemented by an extensive network of CCTV cameras for constant surveillance. To maintain the religious sanctity and decorum of the event, the authorities have implemented strict bans on the sale of synthetic colours, cannabis, and begging. Furthermore, all liquor shops in Sri Anandpur Sahib will remain closed for the duration of the festival.
In addition to the religious ceremonies, the Shiromani Panth Akali Budha Dal will host a two-day international Gatka competition, showcasing traditional Sikh martial arts. Giani Kuldeep Singh, the Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, has issued a formal appeal to the global Sikh community to participate in the celebrations with religious fervour. As a symbol of “Chardi Kala” (eternal optimism and high spirits), Hola Mohalla continues to serve as a vital cultural touchstone for the Khalsa Panth, with the SGPC providing comprehensive facilities for the visiting Sangat.
