Patna: Sikhs celebrated the festival of Hola Mohalla with enthusiasm at Takht Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib, the second holiest seat of Sikhism, on Wednesday, with a traditional Nagar Kirtan procession and displays symbolising valour and martial spirit.
The procession began around 10am from the Takht complex and was led by the Panch Pyare, the five beloved ones who hold ceremonial significance in Sikh tradition. Devotees participated in large numbers, carrying traditional weapons such as swords, spears and shields while bands played devotional music.
Earlier in the day, Jathedar Giani Baldev Singh performed the Ardaas (prayer) and Shastra Darshan, a ceremonial display of weapons, at Darbar Sahib. The Nagar Kirtan then began with devotees showering flowers as the procession circumambulated the Takht premises.
Sikh groups from several parts of India — including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai — as well as participants from Canada joined the celebrations.
Sardar Jagjot Singh Sohi, president of the Takht Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib Managing Committee, said the festival traces its origins to 1701 when Guru Gobind Singh introduced Hola Mohalla at Anandpur Sahib. The festival was conceived as a demonstration of martial readiness and courage, transforming the traditional Holi celebrations into a gathering of warrior-saints.
The Nagar Kirtan moved through several parts of Patna City, travelling from Takht Sri Patna Sahib to Shri Govind Singh Ghat and then along Jhauganj Gali Marg, Ashok Rajpath, Chowk and Mangal Talab before reaching Bal Leela Gurudwara Maini Sangat.
At Bal Leela Gurudwara, the congregation listened to devotional kirtan and discourses explaining the historical and spiritual significance of Hola Mohalla. A special langar was organised where devotees sat together in rows to share the community meal.
The procession was scheduled to return to Takht Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib by around 2pm.
Authorities deployed additional security personnel along the route to ensure the Nagar Kirtan passed peacefully through the crowded neighbourhoods of Patna City.
