Sword dancing by Nihangs - Punjab

Nihang warriors perform Gatka dance at International Gatka Festival during Hola Mohalla at Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib in Punjab, India.

Gatka is the name of an Indian martial art associated with the Sikhs of the Punjab region. It is a style of stick fighting, with wooden sticks intended to simulate swords. The Punjabi name gatka properly refers to the wooden stick used. The word originates as a diminutive of Sanskrit gada "mace". By conception, gatka is defensive as well as offensive.

The style originated in later 19th century, out of sword practice in in two sub-style, called rasmi (ritualistic) and khel (sport) from the 1880s. The term gatka has sometimes come to be extended to "Sikh martial arts" more generally, including the use of various weapons, more properly called Shastar Vidiya.

Holla Mohalla, or Hola Mohalla, is the festival of Punjab. Celebrated over three days, the festival retains the character of fun and enjoyment that Holi has embodied. In addition to this, it is also a community festival that brings people together in an atmosphere of sharing and caring. It is also an occasion to remember the valor of the Sikhs in battling the enemies of the land. The festival day begins with early morning prayers at the Gurdwaras. The Guru Granth Sahib is ceremoniously taken out and bathed ritually with milk and water. Thereafter, it is placed on a platform and venerated.

The Nihang Sikhs, who are part of the Sikh army that Guru Gobind Singh founded, exhibit their martial skills and daring through mock battles, sword-fighting displays, archery and horse-riding exercises. The Nihangs also splash color on the spectators, and everyone follows suit. Stories and songs about the life, valor and wisdom of the ten Sikh gurus, right from Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh, are told and recited.

Source : http://www.acefoundation.in & http://festivals.iloveindia.com/

This footage is part of the professionally-shot broadcast stock footage archive of Wilderness Films India L