Hola Mohalla, celebrated on the second day of the Chet month, brings alive the vibrant spirit of Punjabi culture. Held in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab, post-Holi, it showcases Sikh heritage with grand processions reminiscent of army columns. Originated by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, it combines military exercises with mock battles, displaying the valour and tradition of Sikh warriors. This festival captivates with daredevil acts like bareback horse-riding and tent pegging, echoing the bravery of Sikh men throughout history
So, if you want to know how it feels to be a part of something bigger than yourself and to witness the colorful spectacles in front of your eyes then do not miss Hola Mohalla.
Hola Mohalla 2024 Date
Hola Mohalla 2024 in Anandpur Sahib is scheduled from March 25th to March 27th, 2024. This vibrant Sikh festival celebrates martial arts, bravery, and community spirit. Join the festivities as devotees gather for colorful processions, martial arts displays, and spiritual gatherings in the historic city of Anandpur Sahib.
History of Hola Mohalla Festival
According to history, Hola Mohalla was founded by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. This was the time in history when he had recently founded Khalsa Panth and was fighting the Mughal Empire and the Rajputs at the same time.
It is believed that on March 7, 1701, Guru Gobind Singh started a completely new tradition where the people participated in mock fights and poetry contests majorly at the Lohgarh Fort.
Since its inception, the festival has spread from Anandpur Sahib to Kiratpur Sahib along with the foothills of the Shivaliks. It has also been stated that the Guru himself used to participate in the mock battles organized with the onset of this tradition.
Major Attractions of Hola Mohalla 2024
1. An Engaging Cultural Feast
Organized for a period of three days, Hola Mohalla is full of nothing but celebrations that are a spitting image of the Sikh Culture and everything good about it.
The festival incorporates a show of weapons, battle moves, some traditional poetry, music, and much more. During this festival, a number of durbars are also held at various places along with Kirtans and lectures that take place during this time.
2. The Highlights of the Last Day
The last day, especially, comes across as the highlighting factor of the whole event. The procession begins with Panj Pyaras. Panj Pyare is a collective name given to the five men from the Sikh community namely Bhai Dhaya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Himmat Singh, Bhai Mohkam Singh, and Bhai Sahib Singh. These names were given by Guru Gobind Singh Ji on April 13, 1699.
The procession starts from Takht Keshgarh Sahib, which is one of the five Sikh religious seats, and then passes through various important gurdwaras like Qila Anandgarh, Lohgarh Sahib, Mata Jitoji, and then, again, finally terminates at the Takht.
3. The Food at Hola Mohalla 2024
People who visit Anandpur Sahib are treated with delicious langars, organized by the locals. This is considered an essential part of the Sewa by the Sikhs. For preparing the food, raw materials like wheat flour, rice, milk, and vegetables, as well as sugar are also provided by the people from nearby villages. The womenfolk volunteers not just cook the food but also take part in cleaning the utensils.
How To Reach Hola Mohalla 2024?
Anandpur Sahib in Punjab is not a city but a religious sentiment for the Sikhs. It is very well connected to nearby Indian cities by road and railway networks. It is located at a distance of 313, 1,722, 2,489, 1,830 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata respectively. This is how you can reach here by the following means of transportation.
By Air. Anandpur Sahib doesn’t have its own airport. The nearest airport is the Chandigarh Airport (IXC) located at a distance of 94 km via NH205. This airport mainly serves as the Union Territory of Chandigarh and nearby regions. The Chandigarh Airport is known for catering to about seven domestic airlines and connects Chandigarh to 2 international and 16 domestic destinations.
After you deboard at the airport, you would need to cover the remaining distance by some means of public transportation like a cab, bus, or even a train. To travel by train, you will need to board UHL Janshatabadi from Anandpur Sahib station and deboard at the Chandigarh station.
Here is how you can reach here by flight.
- Delhi - Board Air India, Go Air, Air Asia, Vistara flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport. The airfares start from Rs.2,500
- Jaipur - Board Go Air, IndiGo, Air India, Vistara flights from Jaipur Airport. The airfares start from Rs.2,000
- Lucknow - Board IndiGo, Air India, Vistara flights from Lucknow Airport. The airfares start from Rs.2,000
- Patna - Board IndiGo, Air India, Vistara flights from Patna Airport. The airfares start from Rs. 3,500
By Train. The city of Anandpur Sahib has its own railway station. It has only one platform. However, it doesn’t have good connectivity with other Indian cities via direct trains. For instance, from Delhi, you can board Himachal Express and UHL Janshatabadi Express. It will take you around 3-6 hours to reach here by train from Delhi.
By Road. Depending upon your location, you can consider traveling to Anandpur Sahib by road networks as well. As per your convenience, you can choose to travel either by your own vehicle, bus, or cab.
From Jaipur, the bus fares start from Rs.700; from Ajmer, Rs.750; and from Udaipur, Rs.1,800.
Here is how you can reach here by the following means of road networks.
- Delhi - 313 km via NH44
- Ludhiana - 140 km (NH 44), 114 km (NH205), 117 km (Ludhiana-Rahon Road)
- Jaipur - 577 km (NH 48 or NH44)
- Agra - 561 km (Taj Express Highway or NH44)
- Lucknow - 866 km (NH 44 or Agra-Lucknow Expressway)
- Gwalior - 677 km (NH44)
Hola Mohalla stands as a vibrant celebration of Sikh culture and heritage, showcasing bravery, camaraderie, and tradition. Through grand processions and daring displays, the festival encapsulates the spirit of unity and resilience, honouring the legacy of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and inspiring generations to come.
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Frequently asked questions about Hola Mohalla 2024
Q1. What is Hola Mohalla?
A1. Hola Mohalla is a Sikh festival celebrated in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab, known for its grand processions and martial arts displays.
Q2. When is Hola Mohalla 2024 date?
A2. Hola Mohalla 2024 in Anandpur Sahib will be celebrated from March 25th to March 27th, 2024
Q3. What is the significance of Hola Mohalla?
A3. Hola Mohalla was initiated by Guru Gobind Singh Ji to strengthen the Sikh community through military exercises and mock battles.
Q4. What activities are part of Hola Mohalla celebrations?
A4. The festival includes grand processions, martial arts demonstrations, mock battles, and daredevil acts like bareback horse-riding.
Q5. Where is Hola Mohalla celebrated?
A5. Hola Mohalla is primarily celebrated in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab, but similar celebrations can also be found in other Sikh communities around the world.
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