5 sacred nagaras echo in Punjab's Anandpur Sahib, herald the start of Hola Mohalla
The five nagaras, made of copper and brass, were historically used to announce movement of Sikh armies, signal start of battles
The beating of five sacred and traditional nagaras at the historic Kila Anandgarh Sahib formally announced the beginning of this year’s Hola Mohalla, reviving centuries-old martial traditions of the Sikh faith.
As the clock struck midnight, locals of Anandpur Sahib, Nihang jathas, and devotees gathered within the fort complex to witness the solemn yet thunderous ceremony that connects present-day celebrations with Sikh history.
As the first stroke landed, a deep, rolling boom rose from the massive drums, reverberating through the fort walls like distant thunder. Each subsequent beat grew stronger, sending powerful vibrations across the valley and into the quiet night, awakening the town below.
The echo of the massive nagaras, traditional war drums, along with the powerful notes of Ransingha and Narsingha instruments, filled the air, transporting the congregation back to an era when such sounds marked the call to arms.
The piercing metallic cry of the horns cut through the darkness, mingling with the drumbeats to create a soundscape once used to rally Sikh warriors.
These instruments, made of copper and brass, were historically used to announce the movement of Sikh armies, signal the start of battles, and instill courage among warriors.
According to Sikh tradition, the five nagaras preserved at Kila Anandgarh Sahib hold deep historical and spiritual significance.
They are believed to date back to the time of Guru Gobind Singh, who founded Anandpur Sahib as the nerve centre of Sikh resistance against Mughal oppression. From this very fort, Guru Gobind Singh and the Khalsa forces defended the principles of righteousness, equality, and freedom of faith.
Each of the five nagaras is said to symbolise one of the five virtues upheld by the Khalsa—sat (truth), santokh (contentment), daya (compassion), dharam (righteousness), and nimrata (humility).
When struck together, the combined roar of the drums surged like a battle cry, signifying unity, collective strength, and the eternal readiness of the Sikh community to stand against injustice.
The Ransingha and Narsingha, long S-shaped horns traditionally crafted from alloy metal, were equally important in Sikh military history. Their sharp, resonant sound could travel long distances, serving as battlefield signals and morale boosters.
At Anandgarh Sahib, these instruments are preserved not merely as relics but as living symbols of the martial spirit that Hola Mohalla celebrates.
After the ceremonial beating of the instruments, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, Jathedar of Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib and acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, performed ardas, formally declaring the commencement of Hola Mohalla. The congregation stood in reverent silence as prayers were offered for peace, courage, and the well-being of humanity.
Hola Mohalla was instituted by Guru Gobind Singh in 1701 as a distinct Sikh festival, following the Holi celebrations. Unlike Holi’s playful character, Hola Mohalla was designed as a day to demonstrate martial skills such as mock battles, swordsmanship, horse riding, and military drills.
Over time, it has evolved into one of the largest religious congregations of the Sikh faith, attracting lakhs of devotees from India and abroad.
The midnight ceremony at Kila Anandgarh Sahib is considered the spiritual overture of the festival. It sets the tone for the days ahead, when Anandpur Sahib transforms into a vibrant centre of devotion, discipline, and tradition.
With this powerful ritual, Anandpur Sahib once again stood ready to host Hola Mohalla, being celebrated from February 27 to March 4, carrying forward a legacy that has echoed through generations.
