Hola Mohalla Poonch Hola Mohalla celebrations in Poonch saw a grand Nagar Kirtan organised by DGPC Poonch as devotees marched through the historic streets of the border town, reflecting faith, courage and communal harmony.
POONCH MIRROR NEWS DESK MARCH 5,2026
BY: PRAUPKAR SING ( CITY REPORTER PM)
POONCH, March 5: It was not merely a procession. It was a river of faith that originated from the historic Main Bazar here, meandered through the ancient thoroughfares of this border town, and finally merged back into its source the Gurudwara. On Thursday, as the region celebrated Hola Mohalla, the Nagar Kirtan organised by the District Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (DGPC) Poonch did more than just bring the community together. It resurrected the timeless message of Guru Gobind Singh that a Sikh must be both a saint and a soldier.
The spiritual journey, which began at Gurudwara Singh Sabha in Main Bazar, wound its way through Qila Market, the Bus Stand, Nakha Wali Chowk, and crucially, through Shia Mohalla, before culminating back at the Gurudwara. And it was this passage through the heart of the town’s Shia community that lent the event its unique character a testament to the syncretic culture that has defined this region for centuries.
Leading the congregation were the Panj Pyare the five beloved ones their presence transporting the devout back to the founding of the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib in 1699. Behind them walked a sea of devotees, men, women, and children, their voices rising in unison with chants of “Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal” that echoed off the walls of the old city. The women, many carrying floral tributes rather than the ceremonial swords, had faces that reflected the quiet dignity of the Khalsa Panth.
As the Nagar Kirtan passed through Qila Market and Nakha Wali Chowk, shopkeepers downed their shutters momentarily to offer refreshments. Local residents lined the balconies, some showering petals, others simply watching in reverence.
But the most powerful moment came when the procession entered Shia Mohalla. In a region that has known the pain of conflict, where ceasefire violations along the LoC have often brought death and destruction, what unfolded here was nothing short of remarkable. Members of the Shia community stood outside their homes, offering water and sherbet to the devotees. Elderly men blessed the passing congregation while children waved Sikh religious flags.
It is significant that this celebration comes at a time when much of India is celebrating Holi the festival of colours. But Hola Mohalla, inaugurated by Guru Gobind Singh in 1701, is Holi with a difference. It was conceived not just as a celebration of colours but as a festival of valour, where Sikhs would demonstrate their martial skills horse riding, swordsmanship, and military exercises.
Today’s procession in Poonch was a reminder that the Guru’s vision was not merely spiritual but profoundly practical. He wanted his followers to be spiritually awakened yet physically prepared to face any challenge. As the gatka performers traditional Sikh martial artists displayed their skills with swords and shields during the procession, one could almost hear the echo of history.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, senior members of the DGPC Poonch emphasised that the Nagar Kirtan was not merely a ritual.
“This is the essence of our Gurus’ teachings. The message of service, of standing up for the oppressed, of brotherhood this is what Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh taught us. And today, when the world is so divided, this message is more relevant than ever,” said one of the organisers.
The culmination of the procession at Gurudwara Singh Sabha was followed by a community langar the traditional Sikh free kitchen. As devotees sat in rows, irrespective of caste, creed, or economic status, the langar once again underscored the fundamental Sikh principle of equality.
Poonch has seen its share of turbulence. Located just a few kilometres from the Line of Control, this town has witnessed wars, insurgencies, and cross-border shelling. But today, it witnessed something else faith in its most inclusive form.
As the Nagar Kirtan wound its way back to the Gurudwara, the setting sun cast a golden glow over the old city. The chants of “Waheguru” still hung in the air, mixing with the evening azaan from nearby mosques. In that moment, Poonch wasn’t just a border town. It was a symbol of what India could be a land where diversity is not just tolerated but celebrated.
Hola Mohalla comes but once a year. But the message it carries of courage, service, and brotherhood is one that this country needs every single day. And if Poonch can get it right, why can’t the rest of India?
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