Every year, first day of the lunar month Chet (first month of the Nanakshahi calendar which governs the activities within Sikhism; mostly coincides with March) marks the celebration of Hola Mohalla, a three- seven day event celebrated at the shrine of Keshgarh Sahib in Anandpur, Punjab. It was here in 1699 that the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, baptized five men and founded the Khalsa Panth, which is the modern day Sikh faith. Hola Mohalla was first celebrated at Anandpur in February, 1701.This year, a Delhi-based photographer Jagdev Singh captured the essence of the festival on his camera and will put it on display at India International Centre from May 22-28.Millions of people across the country throng the streets of Anandpur to witness the celebration which was conceived to present the strength and martial arts skills of Sikhs and host mock battles using swords and other kinds of physical fights. Over the years, the festival grew bigger and today, road side tents are set up miles before the main shrine where people are provided with free food (langar) and shelter all day and night. The main attraction, however, is the procession by Nihangas (a distinctive order among the Sikhs), bareback horse-riding, and performance of 'Gatka' (Sikh martial art).Singh has captured each moment of it in all its glory. There are portraits of Sikhs with massive and unique turbans holding a sword; landscapes starting from Anandpur Sahib Railway station to shrine, buses over-loaded with passengers and streets full of people thrown into revelry.The photographer is drawn to seize the moods and moments of peoples’ ordinary lives behind the lens. His extensive work on Delhi is a classic example wherein there are indifferent shots of monuments, stuffed streets of Old Delhi, pigeon-square of Cannaught Place and a lot more. Buddhism in Nepal and India are other series in his stash of street and travel photography.-“Hola Mohalla” will on view at Exhibition on view from May 22- 28, 11 am to 7 pm at the Art Gallery India International Centre Annexe, Lodi Estate, New Delhi.Follow @ARTINFOIndia
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