In a major initiative to enhance pilgrimage infrastructure and promote environmental sustainability, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced on Monday the establishment of a permanent air-conditioned tent city for the ongoing Hola Mohalla celebrations at Sri Anandpur Sahib.
Addressing the media at Punjab Bhawan, Bains unveiled landmark arrangements, including India’s first permanent air-conditioned tent city and the observance of Green Hola Mohalla, emphasizing the state government’s commitment to both religious tourism and eco-friendly practices. “After the success of last year’s temporary facility and a subsequent inspection by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, this permanent air-conditioned tent city has been established in the holy city to serve devotees year-round,” he noted.
The Minister highlighted the tent city’s significance for pilgrimage tourism, explaining that it will address accommodation shortages under the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme while offering visitors an enhanced experience of spiritual and cultural heritage. “This is a historic moment for Punjab’s religious tourism, as devotees can now enjoy fully air-conditioned accommodations in the permanent air-conditioned tent city during their visit,” Bains added.
Green Hola Mohalla: Punjab Enforces Ban on Single-Use Plastics with Biodegradable Alternatives
Focusing on environmental conservation, the Education Minister announced that this year’s Hola Mohalla will be celebrated as Green Hola Mohalla. A comprehensive ban on single-use plastics has been enforced, with biodegradable alternatives provided at all langar establishments through the Punjab Pollution Control Board. “Every plate, cup, and utensil will be biodegradable and non-plastic, ensuring a greener celebration for lakhs of devotees,” Bains said.
Inviting Sikh devotees from across India and the world, Bains said that after commemorating the martyrdom of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji Sahib and the Shaheedi Sabha at Fatehgarh Sahib, the government now turns to Hola Mohalla with renewed devotion. He encouraged families to join the festivities and experience the spiritual grandeur of Sri Anandpur Sahib.
The holy city has been beautifully illuminated and decorated, with the revamped Panj Piaras Park, Bhai Jaita Ji Museum, and other heritage sites highlighting the Punjab Government’s focus on cultural preservation. The newly inaugurated permanent air-conditioned tent city further strengthens Sri Anandpur Sahib’s appeal as a modern yet traditional pilgrimage destination.
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To manage the massive influx of devotees arriving on tractors and trolleys, the Rupnagar administration has set up 28 dedicated parking zones, two specialised Trolley Cities, and designated trolley streets, all equipped with bathrooms, CCTV surveillance, and LED information screens. Devotees from Majha and Doaba regions will be directed to Charan Ganga Trolley City, while those from Malwa and Chandigarh will use the Jhinjri facility.
Enhancing convenience, 100 e-rickshaw shuttle services will ferry devotees to key religious sites such as Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib and Qila Anandgarh Sahib, while a grand fireworks display is planned on March 2 and 3 at Virasat-e-Khalsa.
Bains also outlined comprehensive health and security arrangements, with ambulances stationed at Charan Ganga Stadium and Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, Aam Aadmi Clinics operational at all parking and congregation points, and a three-layer barricading system to safeguard the sangat while allowing Nihang Singhs to perform martial displays safely.
Additionally, 20 large LED screens have been installed to broadcast live processions, heritage games, and craft fairs, ensuring devotees in parking zones remain connected with ongoing events. Officials credited months of meticulous preparation for making the permanent air-conditioned tent city and the entire Hola Mohalla experience a success, reflecting Punjab’s focus on combining heritage with modern facilities.