CHANDIGARH / SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB — In a major step to strengthen pilgrimage infrastructure and promote environmental sustainability, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced a series of landmark arrangements on Monday for the ongoing Hola Mohalla celebrations at the holy city of Sri Anandpur Sahib.
Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, the Minister unveiled plans that blend deep-rooted tradition with modern, eco-friendly infrastructure, inviting the global Sikh sangat (community) to experience the spiritual grandeur of the historic occasion.
A Historic First: The Permanent Air-Conditioned Tent City The centerpiece of the announcements is the dedication of India’s first permanent, all-weather, fully air-conditioned tent city. Conceptualized after the success of last year’s temporary structure and a subsequent inspection by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, this facility aims to solve year-round accommodation shortages.
“This is a historic moment for Punjab’s religious tourism… It will not only serve pilgrims under the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme but also provide a significant fillip to Sri Anandpur Sahib’s tourism potential, offering visitors an experience of a lifetime,” Minister Bains stated.
Pioneering a ‘Green’ Hola Mohalla Reaffirming the state’s commitment to environmental conservation, this year’s festival is officially designated as a “Green Hola Mohalla.”
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Plastic Ban: A comprehensive ban on single-use plastics has been enforced across the city.
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Biodegradable Langars: The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) is bearing the entire cost of providing biodegradable plates, cups, and utensils to all langar establishments to manage the massive scale of food served to lakhs of devotees sustainably.
Massive Infrastructure and Crowd Management To manage the heavy influx of devotees arriving via tractors and trolleys, the Rupnagar district administration has rolled out extensive logistical support:
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Trolley Cities & Parking: 28 dedicated parking zones and two specialized “Trolley Cities” have been established. Devotees from Majha and Doaba will use the Charan Ganga facility, while those from Malwa and Chandigarh will be accommodated at village Jhinjri.
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Amenities: These zones are fully equipped with bathrooms, CCTV surveillance, and LED information screens.
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Eco-Friendly Transit: A fleet of 100 e-rickshaw shuttles will operate to ferry pilgrims seamlessly to key religious sites like Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib and Qila Anandgarh Sahib.
Health, Safety, and Spectacle Security and medical preparedness have been significantly ramped up. Aam Aadmi Clinics will remain operational at every major parking lot and congregation point, supplemented by fully equipped ambulances stationed near Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib and Charan Ganga Stadium.
A three-layer barricading system has been installed along the main procession route to ensure crowd safety while providing the Nihang Singhs ample space to perform their traditional martial arts displays.
Adding to the city’s illuminated, “otherworldly” nighttime ambiance, Minister Bains announced that a grand fireworks display will light up the sky above Virasat-e-Khalsa on March 2 and 3. Furthermore, a network of 20 large LED screens will broadcast live feeds of the main processions, heritage games, and craft fairs to all parking areas.
