Bandi Chhor Divas: Nihang Singhs hold traditional Mahalla in Amritsar, showcasing martial arts and horsemanship
Kulwinder Singh
Amritsar (Punjab), November 9, 2026: The Nihang Singh forces organised a grand traditional Mahalla in Amritsar on the occasion of Bandi Chhor Divas, showcasing their martial skills, horsemanship and traditional weapons in keeping with Sikh martial traditions.
The event was organised under the leadership of Shiromani Panth Akali Budha Dal at Gurdwara Shaheed Akali Baba Phoola Singh Ji, where a large number of devotees gathered to witness the traditional displays.
On the occasion, 96 Crore Baba Balbir Singh, head of Budha Dal, extended greetings to Sikh devotees and Nihang Singh forces in India and abroad.
Addressing the gathering, Baba Balbir Singh appealed to Sikhs who had not yet received Amrit through the Khande-Batte ceremony to embrace the Khalsa way of life and follow the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
He also urged young people to stay away from drugs, respect and obey their parents, and lead disciplined lives.
The Nihang Singh forces enthralled the gathering with impressive displays of horsemanship and traditional weapons, demonstrating their martial skills and preserving age-old Sikh military traditions.
Several prominent religious leaders and heads of Sikh groups attended the event. They included Baba Avtar Singh, Jathedar Baba Joga Singh of Dal Panth Baba Bidhi Chand, Baba Nagar Singh, Baba Balwinder Singh of Mehta Chowk, Baba Raja Raj Singh, son of Baba Charhat Singh, Baba Major Singh Sodhi of Dashmesh Tarna Dal, Baba Raghbir Singh Mariyan Wale, Baba Trilok Singh Khiale Wale, Baba Chhinda Singh Bhikhiwind and Baba Jagdeep Singh Jagga of Tarna Dal Mariyan Wale, among others.
What is the Nihang Singh Mahalla?
The Mahalla is a traditional Sikh martial procession organised by Nihang Singh forces on the day following Bandi Chhor Divas. The word ‘Mahalla’ refers to a victorious procession or march.
The tradition is associated with the historic release of 52 Hindu kings from Gwalior Fort by the sixth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. According to Sikh tradition, the Guru secured their release along with his own and returned to a grand welcome, with devotees lighting lamps to celebrate the occasion. The event is commemorated as Bandi Chhor Divas.
On the following day, Nihang Singh forces organise the Mahalla to demonstrate their martial skills through simulated battle formations and traditional displays.
The procession is led by Budha Dal, regarded as the fifth Takht by the Nihang tradition, along with Tarna Dal. In Amritsar, the Mahalla begins after prayers at the Nihang headquarters, Chhauni Nihang Singh Budha Dal, Burj Akali Baba Phoola Singh, and Gurdwara Mall Akhara Sahib.
Dressed in their traditional blue attire, Nihang Singhs demonstrate Gatka, horse riding, spear-wielding and other martial skills.
The Mahalla reflects the Sikh principle of Miri-Piri, symbolising the balance of spiritual devotion and temporal responsibility, as taught by Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji.