Major Attractions
Hola Mohalla is a vibrant and energetic festival that showcases the spiritual, cultural, and martial heritage of the Sikh community. Here are the major attractions that make the festival a grand spectacle:
Major Attractions ( ਤਖਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਕੇਸਗੜ੍ਹ ਸਾਹਿਬ , 2025 )
Hola Mohalla 2025, a sacred pilgrimage and celebration of faith that draws millions of devotees and travelers from all corners of the globe. As you embark on this extraordinary journey, you’ll discover a multitude of attractions that make the Hola Mohalla a truly unique and awe-inspiring event.
The historic town of Anandpur Sahib is gearing up to host the grand celebration of Hola Mohalla, the annual Sikh festival that attracts thousands of devotees and visitors from across the globe. This year, the district administration with support of several organisations has taken steps to ensure a safe, eco-friendly, and inclusive experience for all attendees.
Gatka (Sikh Martial Arts)
What is Gatka?
Gatka is a martial art that involves mock fights using real weapons.
Gatka is performed with quick movements, rhythmic motions, and war cries.
Weapons used in Gatka include the Kirpan (curved sword), Chakkar (circular ring), Khandi (double-edged sword), and Dhaal (shield).
Participants demonstrate traditional martial arts, engaging in mock battles and weapon displays, reflecting the community's martial heritage.The festival of Hola Mohalla was instituted by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji as a showcase for Sikh Martial Arts (Gatka). 'Hola' or 'Halla', means a military charge, while 'Mohalla' means a procession, or an army column, meaning the festival derives its name from 'the charge of an army'.
Kirtan (Devotional Singing)
Kirtan is a devotional singing that is part of the Hola Mohalla festival. Hola Mohalla is a Sikh festival that takes place in the third month of the year. The festival is celebrated with kirtan, martial arts, langars, camping, and military processions.
Kirtan songs for Hola Mohalla:
Hola Mohalla Anandpur Sahib: A Punjabi Shabad Kirtan Gurbani sung by Rashpal Singh Pamaal, Sukhpal Singh, Jaspal Singh, and Prabhjot Singh
Hola Mohalla Aa Gaya: A song by Deepak Maan from the album Shri Anandpur De Darshan
Hola Mohalla Khalse Di Shan: A Shabad Gurbani Kirtan by Gurdev Chahal
Hola Mohalla Baajan Wale Da: A song by Gurdev Chahal and Sudesh Kumari
Hola Mohalla Sangtaan Manaun Teriyaan: A song by Gurdev Chahal, Meena Bhatia, and SARABJIT MATTU
Where to listen to Hola Mohalla Kirtan songs: YouTube and Gaana.
Devotees gather for soulful renditions of hymns and spiritual songs, fostering a deep sense of devotion and unity.
FESTIV
Dastar Bandi
The turban, also known as "pagri," "pag," or "dastar," is referred to by different terms in various dialects, but all denote the same article of clothing. It is a head covering consisting of a long, scarf-like piece of cloth wrapped around the head, sometimes with an inner "hat" or "patka." Historically, in India, turbans were typically worn by men of high social status, with lower-caste or lower-status men either not permitted or unable to afford the garment. During the Mughal rule in India, only Muslims were allowed to wear turbans, and non-Muslims were strictly prohibited from wearing a pagri. In defiance of this restriction, Guru Gobind Singh instructed all his Sikhs to wear the turban. He emphasized that it should symbolize the high moral principles he had established for his Khalsa followers. Guru Gobind Singh wanted his Khalsa to be distinct and committed to the unique path set by the Sikh Gurus, encouraging them to "stand out from the rest of the world." Consequently, a turbaned Sikh has always been meant to stand out, as the Guru intended, not only to be easily recognized but also to be easily found. Known as a dastaar in Punjab, the Sikh turban is an article of faith made obligatory by the founder of the Khalsa. All baptized male Sikhs are required to wear a dastaar, and while it is not compulsory for Sikh women (Kaurs) to wear a turban, many choose to do so. For the Khalsa, the turban is not merely a cultural accessory, but a symbol of faith. Turban tying competition is organized every year in Holla Mohalla where students adorned turbans in a variety of vibrant and striking colors, experimenting with different styles such as Patiala Shahi, Amritsar Style, Morni Turban Style, Dumalla etc
Cultural Performances
Cultural Performances: Artists engaging in traditional dance and music, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Punjab.
The fair held during Holi and Hola at Anandpur Sahib is traditionally a three-day event but participants attend Anandpur Sahib for a week, camping out and enjoying various displays of fighting prowess and bravery, and listening to kirtan, music and poetry.
Langar (Community Kitchen)
Embodying the spirit of selfless service, volunteers prepare and serve free meals to all attendees, promoting equality and community bonding.
A Sikh Langar in India: Where A Meal Is Community - Confetti ...The langar (community kitchen) is a central part of the Hola Mohalla festival in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab. The langar is open to all people, regardless of caste, creed, or religion.
How does the langar work?
Volunteers work in shifts to prepare, serve, and clean up after the meals.
The langar is served in the main hall of the Gurudwara.
The langar is open to all people, regardless of caste, creed, or religion.
The langar is a symbol of the Sikh concept of "Sangat" or the community.
The langar meals are simple vegetarian dishes, typically consisting of dal (lentils), roti (bread), sabzi (vegetables), and kheer (sweet rice pudding).
Why is the langar important?
The langar is a demonstration of the Sikh spirit of community service.The langar is a demonstration of the Sikh principle of equality, humility, and selfless service.
The langar is a demonstration of the Sikh belief that sharing and serving others is important.
Martial Arts Display
Nihang Sikhs showcasing traditional martial arts during the Hola Mohalla festival.
Hola Mohalla is a Sikh festival that showcases martial arts, including sword fighting, archery, and horsemanship. The festival also includes processions, parades, and religious discourses.
Martial arts at Hola Mohalla
Gatka: A traditional Sikh martial art that involves mock battles with real weapons
Chakri: A circular war weapon with a ring in the center and long beaded strings
Tent-pegging: A dangerous art where participants engage in mock fights with real weapons
Horsemanship: Daredevil feats such as riding four horses at once, or riding through the crowd
Sword play: Horsemen exhibit their skills in a marriage of horsemanship and sword play
Horsemanship
Skilled riders perform daring stunts and equestrian feats, highlighting bravery and mastery in horseback riding.
Horsemanship is a major part of the Hola Mohalla festival, a Sikh celebration that takes place in Punjab. The festival is a showcase of Sikh martial arts and military skills.
What happens during the horsemanship display?
Daredevil feats: Nihang Sikhs perform daring feats like riding four horses at once or riding through crowds
Tent pegging: Nihangs display their tent pegging skills while riding their horses
Races: Some participants run races while standing on a horse
What is Hola Mohalla?
Hola Mohalla is a festival that celebrates bravery, commitment, colors, and martial skills
It is celebrated on the day after Holi, the festival of colors
The festival is held in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab
It is often celebrated in March, and sometimes coincides with the Sikh New Year
The festival began around 1701 when Guru Gobind Singh wanted his troops to have mock battles
Who participates in Hola Mohalla?
The Nihang Singhs are a Sikh warrior order who are the center of attention at Hola Mohalla. They represent different factions and showcase their feats of courage, skill, and discipline.
Poetry Recitals
Poets and scholars engage audiences with verses that reflect Sikh values, history, and teachings, adding a literary dimension to the festivities.
Holla Mohalla is a Sikh festival celebrated with great enthusiasm, and choosing a Holla Mohalla tour in India offers a distinct cultural experience. Here are some reasons why you might consider a Holla Mohalla tour :
Holla Mohalla Tour Showcase Sikh Tradition and Culture:
Holla Mohalla is a Sikh festival that reflects the martial spirit of the Sikh community. It originated in the 18th century as a response to the need for military exercises and mock battles.
Anandpur Sahib Celebration:
Anandpur Sahib in Punjab is the epicenter of Holla Mohalla celebrations. Choosing a tour to Anandpur Sahib allows you to witness the festival at its grandest and most authentic.
Mock Battles and Martial Arts Displays:
One of the distinctive features of Holla Mohalla is the display of martial skills by the Nihangs (Sikh warriors). Witnessing mock battles, horse riding skills, and martial arts performances provides a unique and thrilling experience.
Spirit of Chardi Kala:
Holla Mohalla is celebrated with the spirit of Chardi Kala, which means maintaining a positive and optimistic attitude even in challenging situations. It’s a celebration of valor, courage, and resilience.