Crowds of pilgrims head for Hola Mohalla at Anandpur Sahib as atmosphere turns festive

With Hola Mohalla celebrations just around the corner, thousands of devotees from the city and rural areas are embarking on a pilgrimage to Anandpur Sahib, the birthplace of Khalsa. The excitement is palpable as trucks and tractor-trailers adorned with blue and kesari flags make their way to the sacred site.

For many pilgrims, visiting Anandpur Sahib during Hola Mohalla is an annual tradition. “These are the days when the farming community is almost idle as it has finished tending to the wheat crop that is still in its ripening period,” said Gurmeet Singh, a pilgrim from Tarsikka village.

The tractor-trailers, once considered a humble mode of transportation for the rural peasantry, have been transformed into comfortable vehicles equipped with LCD screens, phone chargers, mattresses and water purifiers. A video of one such trailer has gone viral on social media, showcasing the innovative efforts of the villagers.

“We have been preparing for this journey for weeks. The excitement is building up, and we can’t wait to be a part of the grand celebrations at Anandpur Sahib,” said Jaswinder Kaur, a devotee from Amritsar.

As the pilgrims embark on their journey, traders and vendors have set up makeshift shops along the roadsides, selling flags, snacks and other essentials. The festive atmosphere is electric and the pilgrims are eager to immerse themselves in the spiritual and cultural significance of Hola Mohalla.

For most pilgrims, making this journey with their families and relatives is a tradition being followed for generations. Niranjan Singh, a resident, said, “Earlier, it was a long and tiring journey but now with modern means of travelling, it just takes a few hours.” He lamented the use of loud music by some youngsters which is against the spirit of a pilgrimage.