Hola Mohalla Festival in Punjab

The words Hola Mohalla symbolizes mock fight. It is generally held at the historic town of Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib. The Hola Mohalla, Anand Sahib has gained the prestige of an International Festival and now is imitated in the Gurudwaras all round the world. The gallantry display of the knights at the mock war reminds the people of the tremendous valor of the Indian men in the field of warfare. It also indicates the will of the Sikhs to move in a path shown by the 10th Guru Gobind Singh.

Description of the Hola Mohalla, Anand Sahib

Hola Mohalla, Anand Sahib is a grand fiesta of the Sikhs in which martial art is displayed in the fields and this is following the commandments of the 10th Guru of the Sikhs also known as Guru Gobind Singh. It is the masculine form of the colorful carnival Holi. The Hola Mohalla, Anand Sahib is a pageant that consists of a structured parade like a militia.

In the former people spray colors but in the latter display of skill is something that matters. Men in uniforms display their abilities and since “Great ability develops and reveals itself increasingly with every new assignment; the chivalrous men are adored and respected.

The 10th Guru of the Sikhs was a person with great insight. He foresaw the need for an organized army that would be required any day due to the turmoil that prevailed during his time. So, he encouraged the Sikhs to learn the art of Archery so that they are prepared to confront any sort of challenge that comes their way. In his memory, every year a mock fight is held and this has achieved the stature of an International Event.

It is a 3-day event that involves the display of weapons, skills in battle, the show of bravery; Kirtan, music, and poetry follow the majestic fete. The main skills that the participants display are the tent pegging, standing erect on two speeding horses, bareback horse riding, and Gatka. Gatka is a mock meeting with genuine artillery and is the most daring fete.

At the end of the festival, there is a long procession that is followed by the Panj Pyaras and it starts from the Takhat Keshgarh Sahib and passes through all the important Gurudwaras. Traditional culinary is served at the end of the carnival and Hola Mohalla is thus an enjoyable event.