Hola Mohalla 2008, Anandpur Sahib, India

Nihang Singhs are very fine horsemen riding only stallions.  This quiet moment at the height of the festivities shows a few Nihangs on horseback just approaching the parade ground where the tent pegging will take place.  Anandpur Sahib, the small town which is the home of Hola Mohalla, nestles in the arable plains of Punjab in the shadow of the Himalayan foothills. 

Nihang Singhs are organized like an army.  Now that the tentpegging has finished the Nishan Sahibs, the sacred flags are carried off the parade ground.  The traditional colour of the Nihangs is this vibrant blue.    

This is the Sarovar, sacred water tank, at Shadibagh, the main Nihang encampment in Anandpur Sahib, in early evening.  The Nihang in the middle of this group is drinking the traditional Nihang drink in the traditional Nihang fashion in a large iron bowl.  It is a potent concoction made of various herbs and spices.  The Nihang in the foreground is retying his turban.  

   
This Nihang is trying to get his horses back under control, during the tent pegging display of their martial prowess in the parade ground.  This is the climax of the celebrations and thousands of  people come down onto the ground to watch.

Avtar Singh, of the Baba Bidi Chand group of Nihangs, watches on in the parade ground surrounded by his followers.  Avtar Singh is the eleventh direct descentant of Bidi Chand himself who was one of Guru Hargobind's top military commanders and loyal and faithful servant.  

This Nihang on the left, I first photographed 10 years ago when he was only eight years old.  These turbans are tied in the typical Nihang fashion in military style.  The turbans contain metal work making them very effective helmets.  

What next?

• Listen to the "Nick Fleming Live at Hola Mohalla 2008" podcast
• View the Nihang Singhs of Punjab Photography Gallery
• Read the blog post "Who are the Nihang Singhs of Punjab?"