Hola Mohalla is a three-day festival celebrated in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab, every year in the month of March. The festival is an important Sikh festival and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal. The festival was founded by Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru, in 1701. The festival was initially conceived as a gathering of Sikhs for military exercises and mock battles, to help them prepare for defending themselves against external threats. Today, Hola Mohalla has evolved into a festival that celebrates the spirit of the Khalsa and Sikh martial traditions.
The festival is celebrated on the day after the Hindu festival of Holi, and hence the name “Hola Mohalla.” The festival begins with the arrival of the Nihangs, who are Sikh warriors, in a grand procession called Nagar Kirtan. The Nihangs are dressed in their traditional attire, which includes blue robes, tall turbans, and weapons, and they ride on horseback, elephants, and even camels. The procession is accompanied by musicians playing traditional instruments like the dhol and the nagara.
During the festival, there are various activities and events that take place. The Nihangs and other Sikh groups demonstrate their martial skills in various competitions like archery, sword fighting, and wrestling. There are also performances of traditional music and dance, and the festival is marked by feasting and hospitality.
One of the highlights of Hola Mohalla is the mock battles or Gatka, which are performed by Nihangs and other Sikh groups. The Gatka is a display of Sikh martial arts and includes sword fighting, stick fighting, and other combat techniques.
Overall, Hola Mohalla is a unique and colorful festival that celebrates the rich Sikh tradition of martial arts and the spirit of the Khalsa. It is a must-see for anyone interested in Sikhism and the history and culture of Punjab.