The showstoppers of Hola Mohalla

Thundering hoofs raise dust as a mounted Nihang rider displays his prowess — is that one horse he is riding, or two, or three or four? The mind boggles at the sites and sounds of the Hola Mohalla Festival at Anandpur Sahib. Weapons displayed range from traditional spears, swords and shields to crossbows and guns. Blue and saffron dresses drenched with gulal, fuchsia and yellow colours, Hola Mohalla is the magnet that draws a huge crowd each year.

Yes, there are massive langars, shops sell trinkets , carnival rides provide entertainment, there is a lot of street food — the usual accoutrements of a mela, but the showstoppers are the Nihangs, who attract the crowds and the cameras. 

We present pictures from the recent celebrations at  Anandpur Sahib.