Hola Mohalla

Culture of origin: Sikh · Cultural

Holiday sources: Sikhism

Guru Gobind Singh began Hola Mohalla at Anandpur Sahib in 1701 as a martial counterpart to Holi, the day before: his Sikhs held simulated battles to show their martial skills. It is now a fair of traditionally three days at Anandpur, where the Nihangs in their blue robes are prominent, with kirtan, poetry and langar, ending in a long military-style procession on Hola day, the first day of the dark half of Chet.