India is a land of festivals, and each of them is a celebration of culture, tradition, and community. From the extravagant Durga Puja in West Bengal to the high-energy enthusiasm of Onam in Kerala, each festival revolves around rituals, colours, and, of course, food. Among these many vibrant festivals, one of them stands apart for its intensity and purpose. The Hola Mohalla festival, celebrated in Punjab is one that is all about courage, discipline, and unity. While most Indian festivals bring joy and merriment with trails and music, Hola Mohalla brings uniqueness with horses, swords, and a sense of purpose.
Established over three centuries ago by Guru Gobind Singh, the Sikh festival turns the town of Anandpur Sahib into a battlefield of skill. Here, the Nihang Warriors perform daredevil stunts and showcase their martial prowess. Truly, it is a site to behold, one that captivates, inspires, and humbles everyone who gets to witness it.
And who better to experience this firsthand than celebrity chef and storyteller Gary Mehigan? Known for his love of food and travel, Gary has spent two seasons of National Geographic’s ‘India’s Mega Festivals’, experiencing India’s most vibrant celebrations. Now, in the final episode of Season 2, he immerses himself in this Sikh festival. We got the exclusive chance to speak with Gary about his experiences that made this journey unforgettable.
Gary Mehigan’s Deep Dive Into India’s Festivals
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Gary Mehigan’s journey with ‘India’s Mega Festivals’ has been nothing short of transformative. Travelling across the country, he has witnessed Durga Puja’s artistic grandeur in Kolkata, Onam’s legendary feasts in Kerala, and the electrifying Nehru Boat Race.
“The joy of travel depends on how you do it. I love immersing myself in different cultures, unravelling a little history, and learning about food,” Gary shares. “But most of all, the pleasure for me always is—meeting new people, hearing their stories, and exchanging simple ideas.”
Through this immersive experience, Gary Mehigan has uncovered not just the culinary wealth of India but also the emotional depth behind each festival. Referring to the significance of these festivals in the lives of those who celebrate them, he says, “When you dig a little deeper, you find out what it’s really all about, what that devotion means to the people taking part, the people that are watching, and the people that look forward to that festival throughout the year. It’s maybe the biggest event on their calendar!”
The Thrill Of Hola Mohalla: Horses, Warriors, And Seva
For Gary, Hola Mohalla stood out for its breathtaking martial arts, unparalleled horsemanship, and, most importantly, its spirit of seva (selfless service). Reflecting on the excitement that fills the air during the festival, he shares, “The skill displayed by the Nihang warriors, atop not just one horse, but two, three, or even four horses. Four horses charging at full belt toward what was essentially a crowded stadium full of people – it was incredible!”
But it wasn’t just the stunts that left an impression but also the undeniable spirit of community. “Anandpur Sahib, a small agricultural town, swells to nearly five million people in three days. And yet, there’s a beautiful sense of order, devotion, and generosity,” Gary Mehigan says. “I met some Germans, Dutch, Spanish, and British people who’ve been drawn into the Sikh faith and have attended Hola Mohalla, either for the first time or many times. So, there’s obviously something very appealing, and magnetic, in a sense, about what all of these things represent.” The free spirit and great intentions bring all these people together in a celebration like no other.
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The Simplicity And Generosity Of Sikh Cuisine
As a chef, Gary Mehigan has always been fascinated by the role of food in culture and hospitality. At Hola Mohalla, he found the cuisine to be simple yet profound. “I think simplicity is what underpins the langar in the Gurdwaras; this generosity of spirit and this idea of seva, or service,” he explains. “When you arrive at the Gurdwara, it starts with you handing your shoes to someone in exchange for a little token. That person is volunteering their time just to do that seva; it could be for five minutes or five hours—and there are hundreds of thousands of people present there at one time, all engaged in this same idea of seva or service.”
He recalls witnessing different forms of seva that people participate in. While some put in their time to wash and prep the vegetables for the langar, others devote themselves towards cleaning the place after people have eaten. The sole idea behind this seva is service to humanity and he found that beautiful.
The food itself, dal, sabzi, roti, and kheer, may seem basic, but it carries a richness that goes beyond flavours. “For some reason, it tastes a little more delicious just because of the reason you’re there and who you’re surrounded by,” he reflects. He truly appreciates the intent and efforts of everyone who plays their part in preparing the langar. For him, the true highlight, however, is enjoying a meal sitting beside someone you have never met and will probably never see again but sharing that moment with them.
A Personal And Profound Experience
During his time in Anandpur Sahib, Gary experienced Sikh hospitality in a way that deeply resonated with him. “Most hotels don’t serve food because the langars take care of that. But the hotel owner where I was staying knew who I was and cooked for me. He’d stand behind his counter and watch me to see if I enjoyed the sweet tea, boiled eggs, or the parantha. And if I nodded and said that the parantha was delicious, he’d look so pleased,” he recalls warmly.
Chef Gary Mehigan enjoyed simple curries like chickpea curry with bhature or flatbreads for dinner. A contrast to rich Punjabi feasts, he found his meals simpler yet delicious.
Beyond the food, the philosophy of the Nihang warriors left a lasting impression on him. “They are fiercely loyal. They remove so much from their lives, and focus on the very essence of being protectors and warriors, being fearless, and being skilled horsemen and devoted Sikhs in the service of Guru Gobind Singh. You see this strength and power on display, but underneath it is a very gentle, very giving and very generous philosophy that’s deeply human.”
Gary Mehigan’s Reward Of Hosting ‘India’s Mega Festivals’
For Gary, ‘India’s Mega Festivals’ has been one of the most challenging yet most rewarding projects of his career. “Seeing the world through someone else’s eyes is an incredible privilege, and for me, it’s been quite a deep and moving experience. I’ve got to experience an incredible country like India in ways that I don’t think I ever imagined.” Through each festival, he has discovered how food, faith, and festivity intertwine.
As ‘India’s Mega Festivals’ wraps up its second season, don’t miss the grand finale. Gary Mehigan’s Hola Mohalla special episode aired on March 14, 2025, on National Geographic. It promises an unforgettable look at one of India’s most electrifying festivals.
Cover Image Courtesy: Supplied
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