The Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria today inaugurated the 'Hola Mohalla' Photography Exhibition at the Government Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10, Chandigarh. Organised jointly by the Government Museum and Art Gallery and the Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi, the exhibition will remain open to the public till September 15, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Administrator was accompanied by Shri Mandip Singh Brar, Home Secretary; Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Secretary, Culture Affairs; Ms. Isha Kamboj, Director, Culture Affairs; and Shri Bheem Malhotra, Chairman, Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi.
The Administrator said that India's cultural heritage is a priceless legacy and exhibitions such as Hola Mohalla play an important role in preserving and promoting the country's rich traditions for future generations through the powerful medium of photography.
Appreciating the work of renowned photographer Shri Sanjay Das, the Administrator said the exhibition reflects his decades-long commitment to documenting India's rich cultural heritage. The photographs vividly portray the spirit of Hola Mohalla, capturing its vibrant traditions, martial spirit, spiritual fervour and community life, while preserving this living heritage through compelling visual storytelling.
The Administrator also lauded the curatorial vision of eminent art historian, curator and critic Dr. Seema Bhalla, recipient of the Raja Ravi Varma Award (2023). He noted that her thoughtful curation brings together the festival's traditions, artistic expressions and architectural settings into a compelling visual narrative, offering visitors a deeper understanding of its historical, cultural and spiritual significance.
The exhibition presents a captivating visual journey into the vibrant spirit of Hola Mohalla, celebrating the festival's enduring traditions of courage, devotion, martial heritage and community participation.