Hola Mohalla

Flamboyant and energetic, Hola Mohalla is annual Sikh festival celebrated extensively over three days. The venue is usually the Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara in the state of Punjab. This martial fair was introduced by Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh to reinforce the Sikh community by taking up martial training along with religious discussions. Today, this fair has become a grand festivity in India, attended by people from all over the world.

The festivities of Hola Mohalla start by visiting the gurudwaras for early morning prayers. Special darbars are held where the pilgrims read the holy book, Guru Granth Sahib. The locals remain drenched into religious chants, music and various ceremonies to please the deity. The sights of Sikhs carrying out mass processions with the displays of martial arts, archery, sword fencing, horse racing and shooting are fascinating to look at during the festivities.

Hola Mohalla brings out the most beautiful colours of India where locals get dressed in their traditional attires. Special langars (voluntary community kitchens) are arranged in all gurudwaras where food is cooked by the devotees to serve to all.