Synopsis: Every year in March, one day after the Hindu celebration of Holi, the Sikh community celebrates Hola Mohalla. This year, the three-day Hola Mohalla festival will begin on March 8–10 in Anandpur Sahib.
The three-day Hola Mohalla festival will begin on the 8th of March in Anandpur Sahib and end on the 10th of March. The Sikh community celebrates this festival every year, one day after the Hindu celebration of Holi. This festival was first established by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru.
For the entire Sikh community, the Hola Mohalla festival is an occasion of great fervor and devotion. It is the most significant religious event in the Sikh calendar.
The celebration begins with the Nagar Kirtan, a religious and cultural procession led by the Panj Pyare (five dear ones), along with the demonstrations of Gatkas. Gatkas is a form of traditional Sikh martial arts performed at the procession.
It's hard to overstate how magnificent the martial arts demonstrations, mock battles, and other activities are. The main theme of the festivities would be Sikh qualities such as service, fearlessness, and selflessness.
When and how did it begin?
The Hola mohalla festival was instituted by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh guru, to unite a band of warriors who were not only disciplined and spiritual but also exceptionally skilled in combat. The festival represents Sikh principles, how brave and self-controlled they are, and how much they adhere to their community's values.
What places should we visit?
The actual celebration of the Hola Mohalla festival is held in Anandpur Sahib. There are a number of gurdwaras in the area, which are very popular with tourists who visit the area.
How to reach Anandpur Sahib, Punjab
It's convenient for all to reach Anandpur Sahib by bus, train, flight, or personal vehicle.
By Air: The nearest airport to Anandpur Sahib is the Chandigarh International Airport, which is about 80 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Anandpur Sahib.
By Train: Anandpur Sahib has its own railway station, which is connected to major cities in India. So, you can take a train to Anandpur Sahib itself from cities like Delhi, Amritsar, and Chandigarh. If trains to Anandpur Sahib are not available, you can check trains to Nangal Dam railway station. It is the nearest railway station to Anandpur Sahib, located about 16 kilometers away.
By Bus: Anandpur Sahib is well-connected by road to major cities in Punjab and other parts of North India. You can take a bus to Anandpur Sahib from cities like Chandigarh, Delhi, and Amritsar.
By Car: If you are traveling by car, Anandpur Sahib is easily accessible from major cities in Punjab and other parts of North India. You can use Google Maps or other navigation apps to find the best route to Anandpur Sahib.