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About Hola Mohalla

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About Hola Mohalla

Hola Mohalla is a Sikh festival held the day after Holi, on the first of the month of Chet, in March. Guru Gobind Singh Ji began it in 1701 at Anandpur Sahib, turning the festival of colours into a day for showing courage, skill and discipline.

For about three days Anandpur Sahib in Punjab hosts a great gathering. Nihang Singhs in blue ride horses, show gatka (Sikh martial arts), swordplay and mock battles, and a procession moves with nagara drums and Nishan Sahib flags.

There is kirtan, poetry and Gurbani, and huge langars serve free food to everyone who comes. Gurdwaras in other places and abroad mark the day with prayers, kirtan and langar.

  • Day after Holi, often over three days
  • Anandpur Sahib, Punjab
  • Started by Guru Gobind Singh

Where it began

Guru Gobind Singh began Hola Mohalla at Anandpur Sahib around 1701. Instead of the colours of Holi, he gathered his followers for mock battles and displays of skill.

Mohalla is often explained as an organised march or procession. The festival joined courage and discipline with poetry and prayer.

An old painting of Sikh riders on the march

How it grew over time

  1. 1701

    Guru Gobind Singh holds the first Hola Mohalla at Anandpur Sahib.

  2. 18th century

    Sikh warriors keep the gathering with mock battles and drills.

  3. 19th and 20th centuries

    The fair grows into one of the largest Sikh gatherings.

  4. Today

    Large crowds visit Anandpur Sahib for the three day festival.

How it is celebrated in different places

  • Anandpur Sahib, Punjab

    Nihang Sikhs in blue robes ride horses, show gatka skills and lead a grand procession.

  • Punjab towns

    Gurdwaras hold kirtan and langar, and people travel to join the fair.

  • UK, Canada and US

    Sikh communities hold gatka displays and kirtan to mark the day.

Hola Mohalla moments

Akali Nihang Sikhs in an old photograph
Warriors on the march in an old painting
A Sikh rider in an old painting

Hola Mohalla today

Pilgrims pray at the takht and gurdwaras of Anandpur Sahib, watch riding and martial arts, listen to poetry and music, and eat at langar kitchens run by volunteers.

How people celebrate Hola Mohalla

  • Gatka and martial arts displays
  • Nihang Singhs on horseback
  • Procession with nagara drums
  • Kirtan and poetry
  • Langar for all
  • The fair at Anandpur Sahib

How to wish well

  • Happy Hola Mohalla or lakh lakh vadhaiyan suit everyone. Chardi Kala, rising spirits, fits the day well.
  • Speak of courage, service and the saint-soldier ideal; keep the Gurus and Gurbani respectful.
  • It falls the day after Holi, so a Holi wish followed by a Hola Mohalla wish the next day is thoughtful for Sikh friends.

Questions about Hola Mohalla

When is Hola Mohalla 2027?

Hola Mohalla falls the day after Holi. In 2027 it is expected on 23 March, with the fair at Anandpur Sahib running for about three days.

What is Hola Mohalla?

A Sikh festival started by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1701, with martial arts, horse riding, kirtan and langar, mainly at Anandpur Sahib.

How is Hola Mohalla different from Holi?

It falls a day after Holi, but instead of playing with colours it is a festival of courage and discipline, with gatka, mock battles and prayers.

What do you say on Hola Mohalla?

Happy Hola Mohalla, or in Punjabi Hola Mohalla diyan lakh lakh vadhaiyan. Many add Chardi Kala.

Where is Hola Mohalla celebrated?

Mainly at Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib in Punjab, and at Gurdwaras around the world.

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