Did you grow up learning that Holi was the festival of colors and that it marks the arrival of spring in Northern India? Alas, only the latter part is completely true. That doesn’t mean that Holi isn’t the festival of colors, but it’s also a lot more than that. Holi is the festival you excitedly wait for to harvest fresh crops and throw color around like crazy. In Punjab, for instance, Holi is celebrated quite differently. Here’s what you must know about the Hola Mohalla celebration in Punjab.
What Is Hola Mohalla?
Hola Mohalla is a 3-day celebration that marks the beginning of spring in India, particularly Punjab. But it’s also a religiously and historically important festival in Sikhism. Breaking down the word, Hola in Punjabi refers to a charging army while Mohalla means an organized parade. It was founded by the 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, in 1701 when he summoned the Sikhs to the city of Anandpur Sahib. He then introduced the fiesta that would celebrate and rejoice in the talent, valor, and martial skills of the warrior Sikh groups like the Nihang Jatha.
Fast forward to today, Hola Mohalla is when the Sikh community comes together to celebrate their faith and reminisce about the values, lessons, and sacrifices made by their Guru.
When And Where Is It Celebrated?
Hola Mohalla is celebrated on the second day of the lunar month of Chett which in the Gregorian calendar falls in the months of March and April. It’s usually celebrated a day after Holi, but often the dates coincide.
The procession starts from the Gurudwara Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib. This gurudwara holds immense significance among the Sikhs as the Khalsa Panth community was formed here.
How Is Hola Mohalla Celebrated?
Hola Mohalla brings fresh zeal, faith, and excitement among those who celebrate because of the elaborate procession. The festival starts early in the morning with people offering prayers at the Gurudwara. Folks then engage in the Akhand Path, a practice where the holy scriptures, Guru Granth Sahib are read. It’s interesting because the reading, once started, doesn’t stop until the Guru Granth Sahib is over. The scripture is only transferred from one reader to another but there’s never a pause.
The women folk traveling to Anandpur Sahib carry with them loads of wheat, flour, rice, and other materials with which they prepare food for the Langar. You’ll also see the men, specifically the warrior groups, engage in a fierce display of martial skills. Nihangs perform an impressive sword show where they engage in friendly duels. You can also find lots of poetry sessions here where people sing the holy hymns of their Guru accompanied by tabla and harmonium.
Perhaps the most exciting part of the Hola Mohalla celebration is horsemanship where you will see expert horsemen astride on 2-3 horses at a time. Mastery over commands and great respect for the animals are seen here. While playing with colors hasn’t traditionally been a part of the Hola Mohalla celebrations, it’s fast gaining popularity especially among the kids.
Summing Up
While Holi is the festival of colors, you know by now that Hola Mohalla is a celebration of skill, bravery, and faith. You’ve always celebrated Holi but how about witnessing this larger-than-life festival of the Sikhs where everyone is warmly welcome? Get going and participate in the celebration of the festive Hola Mohalla.
FAQs
What Is The Difference Between Holi And Hola Mohalla?
Unlike Holi around India, Hola Mohalla celebration doesn’t traditionallyinvolve the throwing of colors. Also, Hola Mohalla is celebrated for 3 days whereas Holi is celebrated for 2 days.
Is Hola Mohalla Celebrated In Amritsar?
Although the festival is mostly celebrated in Anandpur Sahib, you can see several devotees at the Golden Temple in Amritsar celebrating Hola Mohalla.
Which Festival Do Punjabi Celebrate?
Some of the festivals that Punjabis celebrate are:
- Holla Mohalla
- Lohri
- Baisakhi
- Teeyan
- Gurpurab
What Is The Holy Symbol Of Sikhism?
The Khanda is the holy symbol of the Sikh community.
