On the occasion of Holi, one name often comes into discussion. That is Hola Mohalla. This name appears again and again not only in the entire country but in many parts of the world. Wherever people of Sikh community are living, Hola Mohalla remains in discussion. There are preparations for this also. There is wait throughout the year, just like Holi. Just the form is changing with time, like other festivals.
Let us know, how Hola Mohalla of Sikh community started? Was its foundation laid to answer the Mughals? What happens in this?
When did Hola Mohalla start?
Hola Mohalla was started by the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Its foundation was laid in the year 1701 at Anandpur Sahib in Punjab. Guru Sahib started the tradition of celebrating this festival on the next day of Holi. At that time India was ruled by the Mughals. The atrocities of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb were increasing.
Guru Gobind Singh ji.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji wanted that the Sikh community should not be limited to devotion only, but they should also become adept in using weapons to protect themselves. The festival of Holi was traditionally a festival of colors and laughter only. Guru Sahib gave it a new form. He named it Hola Mohalla. The word Hola is derived from Halla, which means to attack. Mohalla means the place where the army is stationed or a procession takes place. That is why Hola Mohalla has great importance in Sikhism. This festival is not only a festival of colors, but it is also a symbol of bravery, courage and military power.
Was its foundation laid to answer the Mughals?
Yes, it is correct to say this to a great extent. The main objective behind laying the foundation of Hola Mohalla was to prepare the Sikhs as a military force. To counter the oppressive rule of the Mughals, it was necessary for the Sikhs to be physically and mentally strong.
Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji felt that there was a need to display bravery to remove the cowardice prevalent in the society. He inspired the Sikhs to learn warfare skills like horse riding, fencing and wrestling. Through Hola Mohalla, he wanted to give the message to the Mughals that Sikhs are now ready to fight against any injustice. During this festival Sikh warriors used to demonstrate their martial arts. This increased their self-confidence and created a feeling of unity. This was a kind of military exercise which was given the form of a festival.
What happens in Hola Mohalla?
The festival of Hola Mohalla continues for three days. A confluence of religious and heroic activities can be seen in this.
- Weapon Display and Gatka: The main attraction of this festival is Gatka. This is the traditional martial art of the Sikhs. Nihang Sikhs demonstrate their fencing and stick-wielding skills by wearing blue clothes and large turbans. They perform amazing tricks riding on horses.
- City Kirtan and Procession: A huge procession is taken out in Anandpur Sahib. This is called mohalla. In this, Panj Pyare walks at the forefront. The palanquin of Guru Granth Sahib Ji is decorated with flowers. Devotees walk together chanting kirtan and cheering.
- Role of Nihang Sikhs: Nihang Sikhs have a special place in Hola Mohalla. They are considered to be Guru’s beloved army. They grace the festival with their traditional weapons like chakra, saber and shield. His bravery and discipline are worth seeing.
- Langar Service: Langar has great importance in Sikhism. During Hola Mohalla, langar is served round the clock to lakhs of people. Forgetting the distinction between rich and poor, high and low, everyone sits together and eats food. This is a wonderful example of service spirit.
- Religious diwan and poetry recitation: Special religious diwans are decorated in Gurudwaras. Gurbani is recited here. Kavi Darbar is organised, where heroic poems are read. These poems fill people with enthusiasm and excitement.
Importance of Anandpur Sahib
The main center of Hola Mohalla is Anandpur Sahib. It was here that Guru Gobind Singh Ji established the Khalsa Panth. The same old enthusiasm is still visible on this holy land. Lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad come here to pay obeisance. The whole city echoes with the cheers of ‘Bole So Nihaal, Sat Shri Akal’.
Hola Mohalla is grand Holi celebrated by Guru Gobind Singh Ji’ Khalsa in defiance of Islamic Mughal fatwa to not celebrate Holi. Grand Holi as Hola is ordained by Guru Gobind Singh Ji himself. pic.twitter.com/G8GEqDrF6d
— Arshdeep Singh Saini (@the_lama_singh) March 3, 2026
Difference between Holi and Hola Mohalla
In Holi, people put colors and gulal on each other. Colors are also used in Hola Mohalla, but here the main emphasis is on the display of power. While Holi is a symbol of mutual love and brotherhood, Hola Mohalla is a symbol of bravery and self-respect. Guru Sahib had mixed the colors of bravery in the soft colors of Holi.
Hola Mohalla is not just a fair, but it is a reminder of the glorious history of the Sikhs. This tradition started by Guru Gobind Singh Ji still keeps the Sikhs connected to their roots. This festival gives the message that courage and unity are essential to fight against evil. Even in today’s time, the importance of Hola Mohalla has not diminished. It shows the path of discipline, service and bravery.
Also read: From Basant Utsav to Shigmotsav, how many names of Holi, how many different traditions?