Sikhs celebrate 'Hola Mohalla'

Poonch (Jammu and Kashmir), Mar 2 (ANI): The Sikh community here celebrated the spring festival of 'Hola Mohalla' with devotion and took out a procession to mark the occasion.

The procession led by 'Nihangs' was taken out through Poonch city.

Experts in martial arts, the Nihangs were the centre of attraction as they displayed their skills in the ancient war art of 'Gatka' and in sword fighting.

Hindus and Muslims also participated in the festival.

Anil Kumar Phool, a devotee said: "The festival of 'Hola Mohalla' is very important to the Sikh community and we are celebrating it. On this day, I want to congratulate my fellow Sikhs."

"They are taking forward the tradition of Guru Gobind Singh," he added.

Security personnel were deployed to ensure the procession's safety.

Masroor Hussain, a Muslim resident of Poonch, said: "On this day, I want to wish the Sikh community from my Islam community."

"People of all faiths are taking part in the festival with utmost happiness," he said.

The procession culminated at the Gurudwara Singh Sabha with devotees chanting the traditional greeting 'Bole So Nihal Sat Sri Akal'.

Hola Mohalla celebrates the valour of Sikhs, and commemorates the transformation of the Sikh community into a martial fraternity by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru (leader) of Sikhs.

This year 'Hola Mohalla' coincided with the festival of colours 'Holi'. (ANI)