Chandigarh/ Sri Anandpur Sahib, March 1:

Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains today said that the globally-acclaimed festival of Hola Mohalla, a symbol of Sikh glory and Punjab's illustrious history, is being celebrated at Sri Anandpur Sahib, the birthplace of the Khalsa. For this festival, which will be observed in Kiratpur Sahib from March 10 to 12 and in Sri Anandpur Sahib from March 13 to 15, the Rupnagar district administration has made a comprehensive arrangements for the convenience of devotees arriving from across the globe.

After reviewing the ongoing arrangements for Hola Mohalla here, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that the district administration led by Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain and SSP Gulneet Singh Khurana is giving final touches to the Hola Mohalla arrangements. All departments have been instructed to complete foolproof arrangements in time for the convenience of pilgrims.

S. Bains informed that this year the festival area has been declared a "No Dark Zone" with all areas being illuminated. All welcome gates in the holy city are being decorated and the city has been brightened with LED lights.

He further elaborated that 22 parking areas have been prepared, from where free shuttle bus services and e-rickshaws will transport devotees to the holy shrines. The parking areas will have proper lighting, drinking water and toilet facilities. He said that Kiratpur Sahib has been divided into two sectors and Sri Anandpur Sahib into 11 sectors. In addition to the main control room, each sector will have sub-control rooms with officials on duty. For health services, dispensaries will be set up in all sectors, along with veterinary dispensaries for the horses of Nihang Singhs, hundreds of clean drinking water battery taps and temporary toilets.

An appeal has also been made to pilgrims to keep this year's Hola Mohalla pollution-free, green and plastic-free. Besides this, shopkeepers and commercial establishments have been specifically requested not to create traffic obstacles through temporary illegal encroachments on roads. Dedicated teams have been formed to check the quality of food and beverages. Entry of beggars into the festival area has been prohibited and the sale of drugs and alcohol in the festival area has been banned, he added.

He informed, during this year's Hola Mohalla, Virasat-e-Khalsa complex will remain open continuously throughout the day without any breaks, adding that adventure sports (hot air balloon) and boating facilities will be available at Virasat-e-Khalsa. A craft fair will be organized at Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College to showcase Punjab's progress and prosperity. He said that a special cleanliness drive has begun in the festival area, with special efforts for plastic and disposable waste collection and waste management. Similarly, baby feeding centers have been established for nursing mothers. Ambulance and fire brigade services have also been arranged.

Harjot Singh Bains categorically said that special security arrangements are also being made for the convenience of pilgrims. 4,500 police officers and personnel will be deployed during Hola Mohalla. CCTV cameras and high observation posts will monitor the entire festival area. He said that stern warnings have been issued in advance to anti-social elements, drug dealers, troublemakers and Miscreants.

He said that smooth traffic management plans have been implemented and route diversions have been arranged for vehicles coming from surrounding areas.

The Cabinet Minister said that Hola Mohalla is a prominent festival among those celebrated in our country.

"The security and comfort of pilgrims is our responsibility so helplines have been established for complaints, convenience and security", said the Cabinet Minister, adding that Lost and found and help desks are being set up. Six LED screens in the festival area will provide pilgrims with all necessary information. Strong network connectivity will be ensured by installing mobile towers. He urged the pilgrims to visit Sri Anandpur Sahib during Hola Mohalla wholeheartedly and pay obeisance.

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