What is Hola Mohalla?

March 9, 2023

Hola Mohalla is a Sikh festival celebrated for three days in March, usually a day after the Hindu festival of Holi. The festival takes place on the second day of the lunar month of Chett. People from all over the world participate in this festival. Its celebration was started by the X Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.

How is Hola Mohalla celebrated?

A fair is organized in Anandpur Sahib on Hola Mohalla. The Anadnpur Sahib is located in Punjab near the Sutlej river. The last two Sikh gurus Guru Gobind Singh and Guru Tegh Bahadur lived here. Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa Panth here. The Anadpur Sahib was founded by Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth guru.

The festival concludes with a long military-style procession near Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, one of the five seats of temporal authority of the Sikhs. Recently, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann paid obeisance at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib and took part in various events that mark the beginning of Hola Mohalla.

What type of food is consumed during Hola Mohalla?

Lacto Vegetarian. It is a vegetarian diet which includes dairy products but does not include non-vegetarian foods and eggs. The Lacto vegetarian food is prepared by the Langar in Anandpur Sahib. Food is served for more than a week for everyone visiting there. Langars are community kitchens in Gurudwara. They serve meals free of cost.

Which Sikh community celebrates Hola Mohalla?

The festival is celebrated by all Sikhs. However, it is mostly considered the festival of Nihang. Nihang are also called Akali. They are armed warriors. The Hola Mohall highlights Nihang for a reason. Guru Gobind Singh introduced the custom of celebrating Hola Mohalla. He used to train the soldiers for war on this day specifically.

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