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Thousands of Sangat (devotees) flock to Anandpur Sahib in two-tiered trucks or tractors to attend the three-day event
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Anandpur Sahib is a place where the last two Sikh Gurus lived . Since 1699 Hola Mohalla festival is held on that holy site
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All roads converging to Anandpur Sahib are congested and it takes hours to reach the holy site
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Group of Sikhs arriving at the festival. They will soon put on their electric blue clothes
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Sangat (Punjabi word meaning a community of devotees) travel in big trailers pulled by a tractor and use them as a dormitory
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The festival draws visitors from Punjab but also from countries with a large Sikh community like the UK, USA or Canada
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Nihang Sikh with an impressive array of weapons: spear, sword, Katar dagger, bow and even a slingshot
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Nihang Sikh (also called Akali) wearing the Kara bangle, symbol of one's unbreakable connection to God and adorned with a small Gatka shield
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Langars are community kitchens which serve meals to all, free of charge, regardless of religion, caste and gender
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Nihang Sikhs grinding nuts and spices and bhang (cannabis paste) to prepare the Sardai or Thandai, a creamy cold dring served during festivals
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Whilst Sikh women may become Nihang, most are confined to menial tasks like peeling vegetables
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During festivals Nihangs are allowed to carry weapons through a special regulation only applicable to them
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Sikh Sangat (pilgrim) who may be a farmer, an architect or a factory worker in civilian life
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During the festival Nihang Sikh families from the same village set up small Langar kitchens
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The festival is also a place to campaign for the Sikh dress code and etiquette. No ripped jeans, short skirts or any body-revealing clothes for young devotees
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Sikh kids start wearing a Dastar (turban) since the age of 11 to 12. Before they simply cover their head with a piece of cloth called a Patka
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Nihang Sikh with a turban loaded with ornaments like a Khanda, symbol of Sikhism but also a Chakram, a circle of steel with sharpened outer edges, and a few arrows
