Akal Takht stresses cleanliness, safety at Hola Mohalla events in Sri Anandpur Sahib

Amritsar, March 20

Sparing a thought for the safety of the Hola Mohalla revellers, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh has advised Sikh youth who wish to celebrate the festival at Sri Anandpur Sahib to desist from performing stunts on motorcycles, tractors and cars.

The festival, the symbol of ‘Khalsai spirit’, is being celebrated from March 21 to March 26.

Urging them to come to the holy city in a spirit of devotion, the Granthis of the gurdwaras of villages and towns have also been directed to make public announcements in this regard, urging the youngsters to visit Sri Anandpur Sahib only after educating themselves to celebrate with fervour, but be at their best behaviour and respect the other devotees.

Referring to the accidents that were caused by hooliganism and stunts by some youth during previous Hola Mohalla celebrations, he said that such incidents bring a bad name to the community. Last year, a Canadian Sikh youth was murdered when he allegedly tried to prevent some youth from performing stunts on their vehicles.

The Jathedar also emphasised that the environment must be protected, sanitation maintained and plastic plates be avoided.

Along with this comprehensive advice, instructions have been passed to make adequate medical aid arrangements.

Canadian Sikh youth was murdered last year

• Pointing out the accidents that occurred due to hooliganism and stunts by some youth during Hola Mohalla on previous occasions, the Akal Takht Jathedar said that such incidents bring a bad name to the community
• Last year, a Canadian Sikh youth was murdered when he allegedly tried to prevent some youngsters from doing stunts on their vehicles at the festival
• The Granthis of the gurdwaras of villages and towns have also been directed to make public announcements in this regard so that parents should send their children Sri Anandpur Sahib after educating them to celebrate the occasion with fervour, behave well and respect other devotees.