DHAMTAN SAHIB (KHANOURI), March 4 — Traditional Sikh martial arts took center stage at the historic Dhamtan Sahib Gurdwara on Wednesday during the annual Hola Mohalla celebrations organized by the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. The event served as a platform to showcase the “Bir Ras” (heroic spirit) through Gatka competitions, alongside various social welfare projects aimed at the visiting Sangat.
The celebration brought together several high-ranking officials and sports promoters. Bhai Balwinder Singh Khalsa of the HSGMC asserted that such events are crucial for connecting the younger generation with their ancestral roots and the history of the Khalsa. He stated that the committee had made elaborate arrangements for a “Kesari Turban Langar,” which proved to be a major draw for the youth, alongside a comprehensive medical camp that provided free health screenings to the elderly and needy.
During the event, Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, a prominent promoter of Gatka, declared that the traditional art form is rapidly gaining global recognition. He affirmed that after being integrated into India’s national sports curriculum, the focus has now shifted toward securing a place for Gatka in major international sporting arenas. Grewal maintained that the World Gatka Federation is working tirelessly to ensure the sport reaches the Asian and Commonwealth Games, eventually aiming for Olympic inclusion.
“Efforts are also underway to expand it internationally,” Grewal stated, noting the discipline’s growth as both a cultural heritage and a competitive sport. He asserted that the thrill and discipline showcased by the players at Dhamtan Sahib serve as a testament to the sport’s enduring appeal and potential for global growth.
The gathering also featured heads of various Khap Panchayats and local political leaders who praised the HSGMC for its holistic approach to the festival. They noted that the combination of martial arts, religious discourse, and medical aid created a meaningful experience for the devotees. The day concluded with the distribution of awards to the Gatka participants, with HSGMC members affirming their commitment to making the Dhamtan Sahib celebrations a permanent and expanding fixture of the state’s cultural calendar.
