Hola Mahalla is a Sikh event which takes place on the second day of the lunar month of Chet, which usually falls in March. Mahalia, is a Punjabi word that implies an organized procession in the form of an army column accompanied by war drums and standard-bearers, and proceeding to a given location or moving in state from one place to another. Hola Mahalla or simply Hola is a Sikh festival, which takes place on the first of the lunar month of Chet, which usually falls in March. This follows the Hindu festival of Holi; Hola is the masculine form of the feminine noun Holi. Sikh holy days and observances revolve around anniversaries of the 10 Gurus who developed the faith’s beliefs. All the Sikh Gurus taught compassion, love, dedication, hard work, worship of one God, and commitment to world peace. Hola Mohalla is a Sikh festival that takes place on the first of the lunar month of Chet, which usually falls in March. This, by a tradition established by Guru Gobind Singh, follows the Hindu festival of Holi by one day; Hola is the masculine form of the feminine sounding Holi. Discover the history of Hola Mohalla 2025, how it's celebrated, and how it differs from Holi. Learn about this vibrant Sikh festival. “Hola Mohalla” is one of the major festivals celebrated by the Sikh Panth all over the globe with great zeal and zest. It is majorly celebrated at Takht Shri Anandpur Sahib, the birthplace of Khalsa. Sikhs from all across come over to Anandpur Sahib to be a part of the festival. Hola Mohalla is a Sikh festival that takes place on the first of the lunar month of Chet, which usually falls in March. Hola Mohalla, by a tradition established by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, follows the Hindu festival of Holi by one day. Guru Gobind Singh Ji sent out Hukamnaame (commands) to the Khalsa Panth (collective of initiated Sikhs) to come Tyar Bar Tyar (ready upon ready); to bring their Shastars (weaponry), their Ghorr Savaar (horse-riding skills) and meet Guru Gobind Singh Ji at Sri Anandpur Sahib. The First Holla Mahalla. Hola Mohalla holds immense significance in Sikhism as it reflects the ethos of valor, bravery, and communal harmony. It serves as a reminder of the martial heritage of Sikhism and the principles of chivalry and self-defense emphasized by the Sikh Gurus. The parable of bhakt Prahlada and the demon king Hiranyakashipu finds mention in the Sikh holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, where there is a description of how the lord (Hari) protects from all evil those who place their unwavering faith in him. The Sikh Tradition Of Hola Mahalla. Q. HOLI OR HOLA? A. Holi is a Hindu festival celebrating the victory of the Saint Prahlade over his evil aunt Holika who tried to burn him alive. However the reasoning behind this festival had long been forgotten, even during the time of the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji it had become a meaningless day of throwing colo Highlight: A warrior-style Holi celebrated by Sikhs. Holla Mohalla, started by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, is a three-day festival where Sikhs showcase martial arts, horse-riding, and war games. It is considered a symbol of bravery and courage. Celebration Highlights: Gatka (Sikh martial arts) demonstrations. Mock battles, sword fights, and horse riding. Background. In 1699, the first-ever Vaisakhi was celebrated. The following year in 1700, our Ithihaas (history) tells us that there is an instance where the Gursikhs were with Guru Gobind Singh Ji and a few of the Gursikhs had gone to the festival of Holi. In the state of Punjab, the spring celebrations are known as Hola Mohalla and takes place the day after Holi, building up on the festival. This is a large event, particularly for Nihang Sikhs, a Sikh warrior order, around the world. Top 5 things to know about Holi The Nihang Sikhs usually display their martial skills at Hola Mohalla Acrobatics to horsemanship, see their versatility. Read. In 1701, Guru Ji felt that the Hindu festival of Holi has been losing its meaning over the years, and so he instituted Hola Mohalla, a festival for people to come together, rejoice and marvel at the talent and bravery of Nihang Jatthas, or Warrior Sikh Groups, and other individuals, who celebrate the legacy of the Guru himself. When Sikhs asked Guru Gobind Singh Ji if it was acceptable to celebrate Holi, maharaj said something to the effect of , why celebrate the death of a tyrant, why not learn to fight tyrants yourself. This is why yearly upon Hola Mohalla, Sikhs and in particular Nihangs gather at the city of Anandpur to demonstrate their martial skills. Anandpur Sahib, Punjab (Sikh Holi – Hola Mohalla): A parade, hatha yoga, drama, and the Sikh-appointed martial art forms mark Hola Mohalla. How Holi is Celebrated in Different States of India? It is considered to be an Indian festival, but the way people celebrate Holi differs from one state to another. The "Holi" of Sikhs is not the "Holi" of colors but the "Holi" of spirituality. Sikhs should not play Holi by throwing colors at each other but by throwing the knowledge of spirituality on each other. We should not spoil each other's clothes with colors, but we should throw the color on each others souls. The physical color of Holi is temporary 2025 Sikh Religious Holiday Service The above is the list of 2025 religious holidays declared in Sikh which includes observations, religious days, holidays and popular celebrations. We also provide Sikh holiday calendar for 2025 in Word, Excel, PDF and printable online formats.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |