Hola Mohalla, Anandpur Sahib

Hola Mohalla, Anandpur Sahib is the festival of war. Punjab celebrates this festival every year during the month of March. Coinciding with Holi, the festival of Hola Mohalla is the celebration of the heroism that is infused within the Sikh community. During the end of the 17th century Guru Govind Singh renamed the Holi festival as Hola Mohalla. He used this festival to lionize the art of warfare. Even though Guru Govind Singh used this opportunity to train his military force the tradition of spraying colors continued. Mock wars are organized on this day to reaffirm their commitment to the Khalsa Pantha.

The celebration of Hola Mohalla, Anandpur Sahib includes the bathing of the sacred Guru Granth Sahib with milk and water. Colorful processions are also organized in Anandpur Sahib and Muktsar as a part of this ceremony. During the festive days Nihangas also dress in the traditional martial costume.

The mock battles are held along with music, poetry and other competitions. The Nihangs portray their skills of horse riding and sword handling on this occasion. Daring feats such as bareback horse riding, and tent pegging are also performed. Kirtans and religious lectures are also organized during this three days long festival.

On the last day of Hola Mohalla of Anandpur Sahib a long procession starts from Tahkat Kesargarh Sahib, one of the religious seats of the Sikhs, and passes through all the important Gurdwaras. This procession is led by the Panj Pyaras.

Hola Mohalla, Anandpur Sahib is the festival that combines the spirits of Holi and the traditional beliefs of the Khalsa Pantha. Recently it has been accorded the status of a National Festival by the Government of India.