DHAMTAN SAHIB (KHANOURI), March 4 — The historic Gurdwara Dhamtan Sahib resonated with the spirit of Sikh chivalry on Wednesday as the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (HSGMC) hosted a grand celebration to mark the occasion of Hola Mohalla. The event featured high-energy demonstrations of Gatka, the traditional Sikh martial art, drawing a massive gathering of devotees from across the region.
The festivities commenced with a formal Ardas performed by Giani Joginder Singh, the head Granthi of the Gurdwara. Following the prayers, Gatka teams from various regions performed awe-inspiring feats of skill and discipline. Bhai Balwinder Singh Khalsa, a member of the HSGMC from the Tohana constituency, stated that the committee is dedicated to celebrating this sacred festival on a grand scale to promote the rich cultural and religious heritage of the Sikhs. He noted that the primary goal of these demonstrations is to instill physical fitness, self-defense, and a sense of team spirit among the youth.
Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of the World Gatka Federation and Chairman of the International Sikh Martial Art Academy (ISMAA), addressed the attendees and affirmed that the sport has achieved significant milestones over the last two decades. He maintained that Gatka is now an officially recognized sport in national-level games across India. “World Gatka Federation aims to see this sport included in the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and eventually the Olympics,” Grewal declared, adding that aggressive efforts are underway to expand the discipline’s footprint internationally.
Beyond the martial displays, the HSGMC introduced several community-focused initiatives during the day. A “Turban Langar” was organized where saffron (Kesari) turbans were tied for visitors to foster awareness about Sikh identity and history. Furthermore, a free medical facility and health check-up camp were operational throughout the day to serve the thousands of pilgrims paying their obeisance at the shrine.
The event saw the participation of prominent social and political figures, including leaders from the Nain and Dhull Khap Panchayats. These regional representatives expressed their appreciation for the HSGMC’s efforts in preserving traditional arts while providing essential services to the public. To conclude the ceremony, committee officials honored the participating Gatka teams with cash prizes and mementos in recognition of their performance.
