Hola Mohalla

Holla Mohalla

The words "Hola Mohalla" stands for "mock fight". During this festival, processions are organised in the form of army columns accompanied by war-drums and standard-bearers and moving from one gurdwara to another. The custom originated in the time of Guru Gobind Singh who held the first such mock fight event at Anandpur in February 1701. The mock battles are followed by kirtan and valour poetry competitions. It was aimed to be a sports day to determine the military preparedness of the Khalsa Panth (or Holy Warriors) to fight tyranny & establish a just social order in India. To this day it is celebrated by the Nihang Dals or Holy Warriors who claim their descent from the original regiments of the Guru. The Nihangs still live by the code of warriors of that era. They practice old martial arts & horsemanship, showcasing their daring skills in sword fighting, tent pegging, archery & other martial skills of the bygone era.

There are also a number of Darbars where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib is present and kirtan and religious lectures take place. On the last day a long procession, led by Panj Pyaras, starts from Takhat Keshgarh Sahib, one of the five Sikh religious seats, and passes through various important Gurdwaras like Qila Anandgarh, Lohgarh Sahib, Mata Jitoji and terminates at the Takhat (Keshgarh).

For people visiting Anandpur Sahib, langars (voluntary community kitchens) are organized by the local people as a part of sewa (community service). Raw materials like wheat flour, rice, vegetables, milk and sugar are provided by the villagers living nearby. Women volunteer to cook and others take part in cleaning utensils and other manual tasks that need to be carried out. Traditional cuisine is served to the pilgrims who eat while sitting in rows on the ground. (Pangat).

Holla for us today is a reminder to be Tyar Bar Tyar, both physically and spiritually. May we start to progress on our journeys and try to attempt to become a Sant (saint) and also a Sipahi (soldier). 

🙏🙏