Hola Mahalla in Punjab

You must have heard about Holi, the festival of colours, that is celebrated with much fervor all over the country. On the other hand, you must have also heard about the military prowess of the Sikhs. And these two unique aspects come together at Hola Mahalla festival, that is usually celebrated in March – the colours get replaced with weapons.

Hola Mahalla (or Hola Mohalla) is the Holi that is celebrated by the Sikh community. It was started more than three hundred years ago by the famous Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth guru of the Sikhs.

Hola Mahalla in Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara

Playing Colors @ Anandpur Sahib (Photo: Boston)

It is a three day span of festivities filled with display of martial activities such as swordsmanship, horse riding, mock fights, etc. The venue is Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara, that is set against a backdrop of dusty plains and gently rolling hills near the flood plains of Charan Ganga River. Here, Guru Gobind Singh had raised an army of monks to fight against the tyrannic Mughals. And this festival actually commemorates that – formation of a battalion of warrior monks.

Gathka @ Hola Mohalla (Photo: Balwant Singh)

The festival is declared open when Gathka exponents enter the fighting arena with their traditional weapons. Mock battles are staged, supervised by aged supervisors, ripened with experience. The weapons include sticks, knives, axes and swords. The fighters are called “Gathkabaaz”, and most of them start their training from very early years.

Nihangs @ Hola Mahalla (Photo: Balwant Singh)

Nihang @ Hola Mahalla (Photo: Balwant Singh)

The show is stolen by the Nihangs – they march on foot or ride horses, elephants, mules and even camels. Not only are the animals extensively decorated, the men are dressed in sapphire blue robes with saffron sashes and look very imposing. Their turbans are also meticulously tied around their heads, to complete the look.

Decoration in Hola Mahalla in Punjab

Sages and priests are honoured and then take off the traditional fights amidst loud music and festivities. There is something for the softer aspects too: kirtan and music take place every evening. Poetry competitions are also organized. On the last day, a long procession is started from Takhat Keshgarh Sahib and passes through Quila Anandgarh, Lohgarh Sahib, etc.

Food in Hola Mahalla( Photo: Jintendra)

You do not have to worry about food in such a large gathering. Langars, or community meals, are organized by the volunteers who treat one and all as the same, and one is fed free of cost. Anyone can participate in cooking, cutting vegetables, or washing of utensils out of his own will and respect for the Almighty.

Celebrating Holi in Punjab

So, are you ready? The dates of Hola Mohalla are just round the corner: March 28th onwards. And what is more, all you have to do is get in touch with us at The Other Home We shall tailor your trip as per your needs. We also have a lovely rural property, which is located very near to the Anandpur Sahib