Not many individuals might have heard of this over 300 yr outdated pageant in Anandpur Sahib, referred to as ‘Hola Mohalla’. Celebrated on the day after Holi, it’s a loopy grand pageant of the Akali Nihangs, the unique warrior Sikhs, thought of the non-public favorites of Guru Gobind Singh.
It was Guru Gobind Singh himself who had established this pageant at Anandpur Sahib. It’s a day of poetry, prayers and show of martial abilities, together with equestrian abilities which the Nihangs are so good at.
I’ve all the time needed to go to this pageant, however the month of March is stuffed with work. This yr, we determined to only go for it, and an invitation from a pal in Una, Himachal Pradesh, solely helped.
Sadly not a lot info is on the market on-line in a cohesive method about Hola Mohalla. In our makes an attempt to search for info, we missed some essential moments. However by and enormous, that is the way it occurs:
Hola Mohalla is well known on the day after Holi. Discover the date of Holi, and it’s Hola Mohalla the subsequent day. Attain the historic Gurudwara of Keshgarh Sahib at Anandpur Sahib, actually early within the morning, like possibly 6/7am if you wish to take heed to the recital of Kirtans and Gurbani. Jathas (teams) of Nihangs stroll between Gurudwaras Lohgarh Sahib, Mata Jito Ji Gurudwara, Qila Fatehgarh Sahib and Keshgarh Sahib. Its an amazing photographic alternative. There are millions of devotees who pour in from in every single place on vehicles, tractors, vehicles, something… there’s a Langar (a neighborhood meal, designed to make sure folks from all walks of life sit and share a meal collectively), virtually each 30 meters, so that you don’t have to fret concerning the meals. For the equestrian show, head over to Charan Ganga Stadium on the Naina Devi Highway. It’s extra like an empty area. However attain early, a lot of the stuff is over by round 2 pm.
Having by no means been to my ancestral village in Punjab, a want has all the time been to make that journey occur some day. While at Anandpur Sahib, we took slightly break on the Gurudwara Lohgarh Sahib, solely to find virtually my complete village people there, serving to out within the Langar service (Seva). What a pleasant coincidence. They recognised by grandfather and nice grand fathers and made us really feel actually particular, sat down with us over a meal and took care of our costly cameras whereas we chatted.
This yr was extra like a recce, and we plan to go extra ready the subsequent time.
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Then comes this loopy proficient Nihang Singh driving three horses!
When to go to Hola Mohalla : The pageant of Hola Mohalla takes place within the month of March at Anandpur Sahib, a day after the pageant of Holi. Try the Holi date and Hola Mohalla is precisely the day after. In March the climate is sizzling through the day and funky at evening. Put together accordingly.
How you can attain Anandpur Sahib: The closest airport is Chandigarh, or Ludhiana. One can take a practice to Anandpur Sahib as properly. We drove in.
The place to remain: There are numerous keep choices at Anandpur Sahib. E book them properly prematurely else they are going to be offered out. Try Anand At The Sutlej for luxurious camps by the river Sutlej, one of many 5 Rivers Of Punjab.
The rest? It’s a spiritual cultural gathering, gown modestly, don’t carry alcohol or cigarettes with you, and do carry lengthy lenses on your digicam. And you could need to carry your individual water bottles. You’re welcome to seize a meal/snacks/tea and so forth at any of the langars. You’re additionally welcome to enter any of the Gurudwaras so long as you retain your head coated and sneakers outdoors.
