Holla Mohalla is a festival celebrated in state of Punjab at the occasion of Holi. It is celebrated for three days in a row and is filled with fun, merriment and enjoy. This is the martial festival of Sikhs. This festival is celebrated to remember the bravery of Sikhs in battle ground against the enemies. Commitment to Khalsa Panth is reaffirmed at this time of Holla Mohalla. It is an annual festival.
Holla mohalla is celebrated in the month of Phalgun, a day after Holi. It falls in the month of March.
This festival was initiated by tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. It was to test the military preparedness of all his people. He conducted mock military exercises through mock battles. Festival of Holla Mohalla started in 1757 A.D. At that time, Guru Gobind Singh was preparing an army of soldiers, against Mughal Empire. Guru Gobind Singh wanted to reaffirm the spirit of Holi by reviving Khalsa traditions. For him, Holi was not only the festival of brotherhood but also the Khalsa traditions.
Holla Mohalla is to remind the people of defense preparedness and valor of his people. It was the effort of Guru Gobind Singh. It is a community festival; a dais is prepared on this day and holy book of Sikh, Guru Granth Sahib, is brought there to dais from its pious chamber for the occasion. A symbolic milk and water bath is given to the holy book traditionally.
On the festival of Holla Mohalla, very colorful and vigorous processions are taken out. Processions at Anandpur Sahib and Muktsar are very famous. Sikhs, who take part in these processions, wear traditional martial costumes.
Many events are part of celebration of this festival which include mock battles, poetry, music and dance competitions. Nihangs, people who were the members of Sikh army, founded by Guru Gobind Singh, display their swordsmanship, horse riding and other skills.
Holla Mohalla is given status of National festival by the government, recently.
