Holla Mohalla is a Sikh festival celebrated in the month of March, usually after Holi. The word Moholla has been derived from an Arabic word "hal" which means "alighting or descending". Mohalla is a Punjabi word which signifies an organized procession in the form of an army column. Furthermore, Holla Mohalla stands for "mock fight". The festival is marked by Sikhs demonstrating martial arts in the form of simulated battles that are accompanied by war-drums and standard bearers. This annual festival is celebrated with great zeal and gusto in the north-eastern region of Punjab, in Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib. The festival provides a great opportunity to photograph and experience the warrior glory of the Sikhs.
Apart from shooting colorful Nihangs and their vibrant Deras which in itself is demanding, Street photography during the festival could be a great challenge with streets cramped with local people who throng this place during this time.
Renowned photographer T. NARAYAN would be conducting an intense Photography workshop during the Hola Mohalla festival from 2nd to 5th March 2018 with just 3 seats ONLY.
Personally guided, one to one sessions, hands-on knowledge, group discussions, critique sessions, meet and share experiences with fellow photographers would make each participant learn to deal with different situations and create memorable images.
Day 1 :
Leave Delhi for Anandpur Sahib.
2.00 pm Reach Anandpur Sahib.
After a briefing, experience the surroundings and do some street photography around the Keshgarh Sahib Gurudwara.
Wake up early and leave for Chandigarh by 5 am and drive to Anandpur Sahib.
Stop for breakfast enroute. Advantage of reaching early is to catch magic of the morning sunlight and its drama in the dera's of various Nihang leaders, which is full of activities as they prepare themselves and their horses for the day.
The burning of huge chullahas with the magical smoke in the langars is an experience to behold. All these activities will lead us to the streets around the Keshgarh Sahib Gurudwara where the challenge of street photography will begin. Nihangs with huge turbans, sometimes weighing nearly more than 100 kgs, colorful processions, martial art skills, community kitchens, langars, etc. are all part of street photography, apart from shooting the devotees, in challenging situations. An exhausting day that would bring a smile on your face and fulfillment in your heart.
Essentially a repeat of Day 2 where you will get a chance to improve on what you might have missed. Excitement would set in by afternoon when the main procession starts from various deras for the main event that ends at the stadium. Nihangs perform various martial art and equistrian skills which sometimes include riding four horses at a time etc. Riding two to three horses in one go are a common site.
WARNING: PHOTOGRAPHERS HAVE TO BE VERY CAREFUL COVERING THIS EVENT. Nihangs on their horses appear from any direction at great speeds and run into the crowds injuring photographers or damaging their equipment.(Briefing for the same would be done) This is an event where one can shoot some excellent action images.
Late evening retun to Chandigarh.
Post breakfast leave for Delhi.
Tour cost on request.
Register
The price includes:
Star accommodations on Twin sharing Basis Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Comfortable Transportation 4×4 transportation where needed Fee for the Guide and local help Water light refreshment
Doesn’t include:
Health and travel insurance
Beverages alcoholic or non alcoholic
Also not included: extra costs due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control.
*Prices & Itinerary are approximate (Prices, flow/sequence of itinerary or daily events are approximate) and subject to change.
* Right of admission Reserved
