HOLA MOHALLA

Hola Mohalla is a three-day long Sikh festival which normally falls in March, usually a day after the Hindu spring festival Holi. This is an occasion for the Sikhs to demonstrate their martial skills in simulated battles. This was probably done to forestall a grimmer struggle against the imperial power and channeling people’s energy into a more useful activity. Hola Mahalla became an annual event held in an open ground near Holgarh, a fort across the rivulet Charan Ganga, northwest of Anandpur sahib. Here is a cross section of the fair where a group of Sikhs are enjoying Gatta and playing with sword etc.