Hola Mohalla

Hola Mohalla is a vibrant Sikh festival that is celebrated every year in March, a day after the Hindu festival of Holi. This festival is observed on the second day of the lunar month of Chett and is a significant event in the Sikh calendar. It is celebrated by Sikhs all over the world, with the largest celebrations taking place in Anandpur Sahib, a holy city in the northern Indian state of Punjab. This article provides an overview of Hola Mohalla and its significance.

History of Hola Mohalla

Hola Mohalla is believed to have been started by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh guru, in the late 17th century. The festival was started as a way to bring the Sikh community together and to promote physical fitness and military readiness among Sikhs. During the festival, Sikhs would engage in mock battles and martial arts displays, which served as a way to prepare for actual warfare. The festival was also a time for Sikhs to showcase their skills in various activities such as horse riding, archery, and wrestling.

Celebrations of Hola Mohalla

The celebrations of Hola Mohalla take place over three days, and they involve various activities that showcase Sikh culture and tradition. The festival begins with a procession led by the Nihangs, a Sikh warrior community known for their distinctive blue robes and turbans. The procession moves through the streets of Anandpur Sahib and culminates at the Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, where the main celebrations take place.

The second day of the festival is marked by mock battles and martial arts displays, with participants dressed in traditional Sikh attire. This day is also marked by the display of various traditional weapons, including swords, spears, and shields. There are also performances of Gatkha, a traditional Sikh martial art that involves the use of sticks.

On the third and final day of the festival, a long military-style procession is held near Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib. This procession is led by the Panj Pyare, a group of five Sikhs who are considered to be the embodiment of the Khalsa, the community of initiated Sikhs. The procession includes floats and displays of traditional Sikh culture, such as Gatka and Bhangra dances.

Significance of Hola Mohalla

Hola Mohalla is an important festival in the Sikh calendar, as it serves to promote Sikh culture and tradition. It is also a way to showcase the physical prowess and military readiness of the Sikh community. The festival promotes unity and solidarity among Sikhs, as they come together to celebrate their shared culture and tradition.