:dateline:The SGPC appointed Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh set off the first phase of Hola Mohalla celebrations on March 16 by performing Ardas at Gurdwara Patalpuri Sahib (Kiratpur Sahib). Sri Akhand Path Sahib was laid on this occasion which would be culminated on March 18.
Before it, the war-drum (Nagara) was beaten at Qila Anandgarh of Anandpur Sahib by the Takht Jathedar Giani Giani Raghbir Singh in signifying the start of the Hola Mohalla celebrations.
No toll tax would be charged from the motorists at the Nakkian toll plaza near Kiratpur Sahib during the festival.
It is pertinent to note here that the Hola Mohalla festival lasts for six days every year with initial three days at Kiratpur Sahib and the last three days at Sri Anandpur Sahib. On the last day, a procession is taken out jointly by the SGPC and the Nihangs in the town.
But this year, the Hola Mohalla celebrations will last for seven days due to lack of coordination between the apex Sikh body Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhik Committee and the Nihang Sikh seminaries. The annual festival will conclude with a religious procession by the Nihang Sikh seminaries on March 22 i.e. a day after the Puranmashi (full moon). ��
