Hola Mohalla: The Sikh Version of Holi in Punjab

A powerful display of Sikh martial arts, Gatka, during the Hola Mohalla festival, with warriors in blue attire wielding swords in a grand traditional event.

Hola Mohalla festival is a unique way of celebrating Holi in Punjab. This is actually a form that pays tribute to the courage and strength of the Sikh warriors of the past by the warriors of the present.

Ideally, this form of Punjabi Holi does not follow the traditional way of celebrating Holi with colors and displays happiness due to the arrival of spring. Instead, Hola Mohalla is the unique way of the Sikhs to show good wins over evil always. It represents the true warrior spirit of the Sikhs and is therefore called Punjabi Holi.

Sikh warriors standing in formation with spears during the Hola Mohalla festival, showcasing strength, discipline, and traditional martial spirit.

Hola Mohalla festival is celebrated for three days and is mainly organized in Anandpur Sahib at Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib. It is an exciting display of martial arts, the discipline of warriors, as well as spiritual devotion with religious hymns and poetries. Community feasts are also a part of the Hola Mohalla festival witnessed by thousands of locals and tourists.

Though Hola Mohalla 2025 will span from March 14 to 16, the actual celebration is a day after Holi.

Exploring the Reasons

Hola Mohalla is a concept of Guru Govind Singh Ji. It was first celebrated in 1701 by the warriors of the Khalsa army. The main purpose was to encourage Sikhs to join the army.

As a result, the focus of this celebration is more on displaying physical strength than throwing colors or engaging in mock color fights with each other.

Hola and Mohalla are two different words with different meanings where Hola means Holi and Mohalla means a procession of the military. Together, Hola Mohalla signifies unity and strength.

Hola Mohalla: History and Implication 

According to the Hola Mohalla history, it is actually the preparation of the Khalsa army for battles. The Hola Mohalla festival involves specific forms of martial arts such as Gatka, archery, and more.

A Sikh warrior performing Gatka, the traditional martial art, during the Hola Mohalla festival, surrounded by fellow warriors waving swords and orange flags.

From the religious perspective, kirtans, and grand processions are connected to the Hola Mohalla history and a large langar or community kitchen is organized during the festival. Therefore, the Hola Mohalla festival symbolizes both spirituality and strength.

The Specific Highlights 

  • Grand military display: The most notable feature of Hola Mohalla is the display of sword fighting and other forms of Sikh martial arts, mock battles, and daring stunts on horseback. Typically, the Nihang warriors take part in such display or Mohalla. They traditionally wear blue robes and turbans. 
  • Religious processions: Kirtans, prayers, and hymns signal the start of the Hola Mohalla festival at Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib. As the procession starts, the Sikh warriors who are at the front chant Waheguru while displaying their skills in martial arts.
  • Guru ka Langar: This is the name of the community feast, a crucial aspect of Hola Mohalla. This is the free meal that includes a traditional combination of Makki di Roti, Sarson da Saag, and Kadah Prasad, served to thousands of people gathered there. This symbolizes the true spirit of service of the Sikhs and unity.
  • Fake Fights: Though these battles are fake, these are the most exciting part of the Hola Mohalla festival. This displays their practice, discipline, and precision in battles.
  • Inspirational Events: The Hola Mohalla festival also involves inspirational events such as poetries recited by famous scholars of Sikh history. These are called Darbars or gatherings.

Do you like horse riding and warrior spirit? Hola Mohalla is what you must witness.

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