History of Hola Mohalla
The word “Mohalla” originates from the Arabic root hal, meaning to alight or descend, and is a Punjabi term referring to an organized procession resembling an army column. However, unlike Holi, where people playfully toss colored powder, either dry or mixed with water, on each other, Guru Gobind Singh turned Hola Mohalla into a special occasion for Sikhs to display their martial abilities through mock battles. The phrase “Hola Mohalla” collectively means “mock fight.” During this festival, processions are organized in military-style formations, accompanied by war drums and standard-bearers, as they move from one location to another or travel between gurdwaras. This tradition began during the time of Guru Gobind Singh, who held the first mock fight event at Anandpur in February 1701. Since 1701, the foothills of the Shivaliks in the Ropar district of Punjab’s northeastern region, particularly around the historic towns of Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib, have been hosting Hola Mohalla. Recently, the Indian government officially recognized it as a national festival. The military exercise, which was personally overseen by Guru Gobind Singh, took place on the banks of the River Charan Ganga, with the renowned Hindu temple of Mata Naina Devi in the Shivaliks serving as the backdrop.
