Permanent all-weather AC Tent City dedicated to devotees at Sri Anandpur Sahib: Harjot Singh Bains

28 parking zones, two Trolley Cities, 100 e-rickshaws, upgraded health & security arrangements ensure smooth celebrations: Harjot Singh Bains

CHANDIGARH:  In a major step to strengthen pilgrimage infrastructure and promote environmental sustainability, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Monday announced comprehensive arrangements, including a permanent all-weather tent city, for the ongoing Hola Mohalla celebrations at Sri Anandpur Sahib.

Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains unveiled a series of landmark initiatives, including India’s first permanent air-conditioned tent city and the observance of Green Hola Mohalla. “The permanent tent city was conceived after the success of a temporary structure last year and a subsequent inspection by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, following which the facility has now been established in the holy city,” he added.

The Education Minister said, “This is a historic moment for Punjab’s religious tourism. We are dedicating a permanent, fully air-conditioned tent city to the public today. This facility, the first of its kind in the country, will address the accommodation shortage faced by devotees year-round. 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.”

Reaffirming the Bhagwant Mann Government’s commitment to environmental conservation, S. Harjot Singh Bains announced that this year’s Hola Mohalla will be celebrated as Green Hola Mohalla. He informed that a comprehensive ban has been enforced on single-use plastics, with the Punjab Pollution Control Board bearing the entire cost of providing biodegradable alternatives at all langar establishments.

S. Harjot Singh Bains said, “Given the massive scale of langars serving lakhs of devotees, we have prioritised environmental concerns. Every plate, cup and utensil used will be made of biodegradable, non-plastic material.”

Extending an invitation to the global Sikh sangat, the Minister stated that after commemorating the sacred martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji Sahib and the Shaheedi Sabha at Fatehgarh Sahib with deep devotion, the Bhagwant Mann Government now turns to Hola Mohalla with renewed vigour. He invited devotees to join the celebrations with their families and experience the spiritual grandeur of this historic occasion.

The holy city of Sri Anandpur Sahib has been illuminated and decorated elaborately, creating an “otherworldly” ambience during night hours. The revamped Panj Piaras Park reflects the Punjab Government’s focus on heritage restoration, while the Bhai Jaita Ji Museum and other historic sites continue to attract visitors with their rich exhibits.

To manage the influx of devotees arriving on tractors and trolleys from across Punjab, the Rupnagar district administration has set up 28 dedicated parking zones along with two specialised Trolley Cities and designated trolley streets. These facilities are equipped with bathrooms, CCTV surveillance and LED information screens and have been strategically located to serve different regions. Devotees from Majha and Doaba will be directed to the Trolley City near Charan Ganga, while those from Malwa and the Chandigarh side will be accommodated at the facility in village Jhinjri.

Harjot Singh Bains further informed that 100 e-rickshaw shuttle services will operate to ferry devotees to key religious sites such as Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib and Qila Anandgarh Sahib, ensuring seamless movement during the festivities.

He also announced that the evening sky will light up with a grand display of fireworks on March 2 and 3 at Virasat-e-Khalsa, adding further splendour to the Hola Mohalla celebrations.

Detailing the health and security arrangements, Harjot Singh Bains said that fully equipped ambulances have been stationed at Charan Ganga Stadium and Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, while Aam Aadmi Clinics remain operational at every parking lot and major congregation point. “Security measures have been significantly strengthened with a three-layer barricading system along the main procession route near Charan Ganga Stadium to ensure the safety of the sangat while providing Nihang Singhs sufficient space to perform their traditional martial displays smoothly,” he added.

A network of 20 large LED screens has been installed at key locations to provide real-time information and live broadcasts of the main processions. This initiative will keep devotees in parking areas connected with ongoing events, including heritage games and the craft fair. Harjot Singh Bains also thanked officials for their months-long preparation and hard work in ensuring the successful organisation of this historic celebration.