Guru Gobind Singh chose the Holi festival in 1701 as an appropriate occasion to check the military preparedness of the fledging Khalsa army and named this festival as 'Holla Mohalla'. He used to celebrate this fair at the fort of Holgarh in Sri Anandpur Sahib. Pilgrims and visitors from all over the Punjab start converging at Sri Anandpur Sahib from a week before Holi. Mohalla celebrations kick off two days before Holi, with martial arts displays as traditional Nihang warriors and Nihang Horsemen on beautifully decorated horses display their skills at the Mohalla stadium. And it ends on the day after Holi when the Mohalla or traditional sports day of the Nihang dals is celebrated.
At Holla Mohalla all night divans are observed with traditional Thadi Jathas singing ballads of the heroic deeds of Martyrs of the Sikh faith who gave countless sacrifices to ensure freedom. At the fair one can observe at close quarters the tradition of ‘Langar’ or the Community kitchen. All are welcome irrespective of caste, creed, religion or station in life. This tradition of sharing ones bounty with strangers is integral to Sikh philosophy, enduring traditions and hospitality. Almost 5 million visitors are fed free meals at langars all over the town during the Holla Mohalla festival.
Holla Mohalla has grown into a huge fair and attracts people from all over the country and the world to participate or watch this festival of colour and gaiety at Sri Anandpur Sahib. It has been named as one of the 10 most colorful festivals of the world.
We, Aagman India Travel & Living, bring you during Holla Mohalla, a Luxury Tented accommodation with modern conveniences & comforts, installed in natural surroundings on the banks of the river Satluj.
