While most of India celebrates Holi with colored powders and water balloons, a different kind of celebration unfolds in the town of Anandpur Sahib in Punjab. Here, instead of gentle revelry, you'll witness something far more dramatic—warriors in blue and orange displaying breathtaking martial arts skills, mock battles with traditional weapons, daring horseback riding feats, and demonstrations of strength and courage that would seem at home in an action film. This is Hola Mohalla, Sikhism's festival of martial spirit and valor, and it represents one of the most unique and spectacular celebrations in the Indian religious calendar.
The festival, falling in March on the day after Holi, transforms the small Punjabi town into a gathering place for hundreds of thousands of Sikhs and visitors from around the world. It's a celebration that honors the warrior-saint ideal at the heart of Sikh identity, a reminder that spiritual devotion and martial readiness are not contradictions but complementary aspects of the Sikh path.
The Tenth Guru's Vision
To understand Hola Mohalla, you must first understand the man who created it—Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and final living Guru of the Sikhs. Born in 1666, Guru Gobind Singh inherited the guruship at age nine after his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, was executed by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam and defending the right of Hindus to practice their religion freely.
This traumatic beginning shaped Guru Gobind Singh's vision for the Sikh community. He believed that in times of oppression and injustice, spiritual devotion alone wasn't enough—Sikhs needed to be prepared to defend themselves and others, to be saint-soldiers capable of both meditation and martial prowess. This philosophy, known as Miri-Piri (temporal and spiritual power), became central to Sikh identity.
In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh took the revolutionary step of creating the Khalsa—a baptized order of Sikhs committed to maintaining the faith and defending the oppressed. The initiation ceremony, first performed on Vaisakhi (another major Sikh festival), established the Five K's—Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (wooden comb), Kara (iron bracelet), Kachera (cotton undergarments), and Kirpan (sword)—as articles of faith that initiated Sikhs would maintain.
But creating a warrior community required more than symbols. It required training, discipline, and a culture that valued martial skills alongside spiritual devotion. This is where Hola Mohalla enters the picture.
The First Hola Mohalla: 1701
In 1701, Guru Gobind Singh initiated the first Hola Mohalla at Anandpur Sahib, the "City of Bliss" he had established as a center of Sikh power and learning in the Shivalik Hills of Punjab. The timing was deliberate—while Hindus celebrated Holi with its themes of divine love and the triumph of good over evil, Sikhs would use the next day to demonstrate military preparedness and martial valor.
The name itself is significant. "Hola" derives from "halla" (military charge), while "Mohalla" can mean organized procession or attack. Together, they suggest organized military exercises—a far cry from Holi's playful atmosphere. Some scholars also see wordplay in the name, with "Hola Mohalla" being a masculine, martial counterpoint to the more feminine, playful "Holi."
That first celebration set patterns that continue today. Guru Gobind Singh organized military exercises and mock battles, demonstrating techniques for fighting on horseback and on foot. He encouraged poetry recitals that celebrated heroism and valor. He established competitions in archery, wrestling, and swordsmanship. And he emphasized that these martial skills were not for aggression or conquest but for protection—for the defense of the faith and the defense of the oppressed, regardless of their religion.
Crucially, the Guru himself participated. He wasn't a distant figure watching from a platform but an active combatant, poet, and leader who demonstrated that spiritual leadership and martial prowess could coexist in one person.
Anandpur Sahib: The Beating Heart
Today, Anandpur Sahib remains the epicenter of Hola Mohalla celebrations. This small town in the Rupnagar district of Punjab swells from a population of around 16,000 to several hundred thousand during the three-day festival. The transformation is remarkable—what's normally a quiet pilgrimage site becomes a vibrant explosion of color, sound, faith, and martial spectacle.
Five gurdwaras (Sikh temples) in Anandpur Sahib hold particular significance, all associated with Guru Gobind Singh's time here. Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, one of the five Takhts (seats of temporal authority) in Sikhism, marks the site where the Khalsa was born. During Hola Mohalla, this gurdwara becomes the spiritual center of activities, with continuous kirtan (devotional music) and the constant flow of pilgrims paying respects.
The surrounding areas—the historic grounds where Guru Gobind Singh once trained his soldiers—become arenas for demonstrations and competitions. Temporary camps called jathas spring up, each representing different Nihang groups who have traveled from across Punjab and beyond to participate.
The Nihangs: Keepers of the Tradition
You cannot understand Hola Mohalla without understanding the Nihangs—the warrior ascetics who serve as the festival's soul and its most spectacular participants. These are Sikhs who have devoted themselves to maintaining the martial traditions established by Guru Gobind Singh, living embodiments of the warrior-saint ideal.
Nihangs are immediately recognizable. They wear royal blue or saffron robes, a color combination echoing both spiritual devotion and martial readiness. Their turbans—massive structures sometimes three feet tall—are architectural marvels, topped with steel quoits (chakras), decorative elements, and occasionally even small weapons. These turbans aren't merely decorative; the chakras were historically throwing weapons, and the size of the turban became a point of pride and a display of tying skill.
They carry an array of traditional weapons—kirpans (swords) of various sizes, spears, shields, and occasionally firearms. These aren't props; Nihangs maintain their weapons meticulously and train regularly in their use. The sight of a Nihang in full regalia, weapons hanging from a blue chakra (war belt), mounted on a decorated horse, is genuinely awe-inspiring—like a window into warrior traditions stretching back centuries.
During Hola Mohalla, Nihangs gather from various jathas or groups, each with its own history and traditions. They set up temporary tent camps on the grounds of Anandpur Sahib, and these camps become centers of activity—places where weapons are displayed, martial arts demonstrations occur, and traditional practices are maintained.
The Three-Day Spectacle
Hola Mohalla unfolds over three days, though preparations begin earlier and celebrations often extend longer. Each day brings different events and demonstrations, building toward the grand finale.
Day One: Arrival and Processions
The festival traditionally begins with the arrival of Nihang jathas, entering Anandpur Sahib in spectacular processions. Imagine hundreds of warriors on horseback, their blue and orange robes vivid against Punjab's landscape, weapons glinting in the sun, battle drums beating rhythms that echo off the surrounding hills. These aren't re-enactors playing dress-up; these are practitioners of a living tradition entering a sacred space where their predecessors trained over three centuries ago.
The processions wind through town to the accompaniment of war drums (nagara) and battle songs (var). Spectators line the streets, showering the warriors with flower petals and expressions of respect. It's pageantry, certainly, but pageantry rooted in genuine faith and tradition.
At the gurdwaras, the day involves continuous kirtan, recitations from the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh holy scripture), and katha (religious discourse). This spiritual program runs parallel to martial activities throughout the festival—a reminder that Hola Mohalla isn't just a martial arts exhibition but a religious celebration where devotion and valor intertwine.
Day Two: Demonstrations and Competitions
The second day brings the festival's most spectacular displays. At designated grounds, Nihangs and other participants demonstrate martial skills that represent both historical practice and contemporary preservation of tradition.
Gatka, the traditional Sikh martial art, takes center stage. Practitioners demonstrate combat techniques using various weapons—single sword, sword and shield, staff (lathi), spears, and the flexible whip-like sword called a talwar. The movements blend dance-like fluidity with deadly precision, each technique having practical applications in historical combat while also serving as a form of moving meditation.
Mock battles recreate historical conflicts, particularly those involving Guru Gobod Singh and his forces. These aren't scripted theater but improvised displays of skill, with participants engaging in weapon-based sparring that looks genuinely dangerous (and sometimes is—injuries occur, though rarely serious ones given the participants' skill levels).
Horseback demonstrations showcase another crucial martial skill. Riders at full gallop perform standing positions on their mounts, pick up objects from the ground, engage in mounted combat demonstrations, and execute complex maneuvers that would have been essential in historical warfare. The horses themselves—beautifully decorated with traditional gear—seem to understand the significance of the occasion.
Tent-pegging competitions test riders' ability to spear targets while galloping at high speed—a skill that once determined survival in cavalry battles. The sound of hooves thundering across the ground, the concentration on riders' faces, and the eruption of cheers when someone successfully spears a target create an atmosphere of genuine excitement.
Archery competitions continue another ancient martial tradition. Participants use traditional bows, and the accuracy some achieve is remarkable. There's something deeply satisfying about watching arrows fly toward distant targets, connecting present celebration to historical practice.
Wrestling (kushti) and other tests of strength demonstrate that martial readiness isn't only about weapons but also about physical conditioning and hand-to-hand combat skills. The wrestling bouts, conducted in traditional style with participants wearing langots (traditional wrestling garments), attract enthusiastic crowds and serious competition.
Day Three: The Grand Procession
The festival culminates in a grand military procession that might be Hola Mohalla's most memorable sight. Imagine a parade, but instead of floats and marching bands, you have thousands of martial artists and warriors displaying their traditions and skills while moving through the streets.
The procession includes mounted Nihangs, marching jathas displaying weapons formations, practitioners demonstrating gatka while walking, decorated elephants and horses, and vehicles carrying Sikh flags and religious symbols. Battle drums provide the soundtrack, their deep booming rhythm setting the pace for the massive procession.
The route typically includes significant gurdwaras, with pauses for prayers and offerings. At certain points, demonstrations occur—gatka performances, displays of strength, or mounted warriors performing tricks and formations.
The scale is genuinely impressive. The procession can stretch for miles and take hours to pass any given point. For participants, it's a profound expression of faith and identity. For spectators, it's an unforgettable spectacle that offers insight into a tradition maintaining martial preparedness as a religious obligation.
Beyond Martial Displays: The Spiritual Core
For all its spectacular martial demonstrations, Hola Mohalla remains fundamentally a religious celebration. Throughout the three days, the spiritual program continues unabated in gurdwaras.
Continuous Akhand Path (uninterrupted reading of the Guru Granth Sahib) proceeds in major gurdwaras. Kirtan performances feature classical Sikh devotional music, with ragis (religious musicians) singing shabads (hymns) composed by the Gurus. Katha sessions explore Sikh philosophy and history, often focusing on themes of courage, sacrifice, and the integration of spiritual devotion with worldly responsibility.
Langar—the community kitchen serving free meals to all visitors regardless of religion or social status—operates on a massive scale. Feeding hundreds of thousands of people requires extraordinary organization and the labor of countless volunteers. The langar during Hola Mohalla represents Sikh values in action—equality, selfless service, and community.
Particularly significant are the evening prayers and ceremonies. As darkness falls and the martial demonstrations conclude, the focus shifts entirely to devotion. The sound of shabads floating across Anandpur Sahib, the sight of thousands of devotees sitting in prayer, the communal participation in Ardas (the formal Sikh prayer)—these moments reveal Hola Mohalla's deeper purpose.
Poetry and Arts: The Cultural Dimension
Guru Gobind Singh was not only a warrior but also one of Punjabi literature's greatest poets. Recognizing that martial culture needed intellectual and artistic dimensions, he encouraged poetry recitation and literary competitions alongside martial demonstrations. This tradition continues at Hola Mohalla.
Kavi Darbars (poetry gatherings) feature performers reciting both classical works and contemporary compositions. The poetry often explores themes of valor, sacrifice, devotion, and the struggles of Sikh history. The style is typically vigorous and martial, matching the festival's overall character.
Traditional Punjabi folk arts also find expression. Bhangra and Giddha performances bring music and dance to the celebrations. Folk singers perform traditional songs, some dating back centuries, others newly composed but adhering to traditional forms.
Martial music—particularly nagara drumming and the singing of vars (ballads recounting battles and heroic deeds)—creates a distinctive soundscape. These performances aren't entertainment in the modern sense but transmission of collective memory, keeping historical events and cultural values alive through artistic expression.
The Global Dimension
While Anandpur Sahib remains Hola Mohalla's heart, Sikh communities worldwide have established their own celebrations. In Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries with significant Sikh populations, gurdwaras organize smaller-scale Hola Mohalla events.
These diaspora celebrations adapt to local contexts while maintaining core elements. Gatka demonstrations, kirtan programs, langar, and talks about Sikh martial traditions occur, though typically on a single day rather than three and without the scale of the Punjab celebration.
For many young Sikhs growing up in non-Sikh-majority countries, these celebrations provide crucial connections to cultural heritage. Learning gatka, participating in demonstrations, hearing stories of Sikh warriors—these experiences build identity and pride in tradition.
Some diaspora communities have also innovated, incorporating modern elements while respecting traditional forms. Video presentations about Sikh history, interactive workshops on Sikh martial arts for children, and fusion performances blending traditional and contemporary music all appear at diaspora Hola Mohalla celebrations.
The Contemporary Relevance
In 2025, what does a festival celebrating martial valor mean? Some dismiss it as nostalgic militarism, a romanticization of warrior culture that has no place in modern society. But this misunderstands Hola Mohalla's deeper significance.
For Sikhs, the festival isn't about glorifying violence but about maintaining readiness to defend the defenseless and resist oppression. The ideal of the saint-soldier—someone equally capable of meditation and martial action, who seeks peace but is prepared for conflict when necessary—remains relevant in a world still marked by injustice and oppression.
The emphasis on physical discipline, martial arts training, and collective organization also serves practical contemporary purposes. Gatka practice keeps practitioners physically fit and mentally disciplined. The communal aspects build social bonds and collective identity. The spiritual framework channels martial skills toward ethical purposes rather than aggression or domination.
For youth, particularly young men seeking positive models of masculinity, Hola Mohalla offers an alternative to both passive inaction and toxic aggression. It presents a vision of strength in service of others, courage guided by ethics, and martial prowess tempered by spiritual devotion.
The festival also serves as a powerful expression of Sikh identity—particularly important given the community's history of persecution and marginalization. Displaying martial traditions, gathering in massive numbers, and celebrating Sikh values publicly all reinforce collective identity and pride.
Experiencing Hola Mohalla
For visitors, Hola Mohalla offers an unforgettable experience, but it requires preparation and appropriate behavior.
Accommodations in and around Anandpur Sahib fill up months in advance. Many visitors camp or stay in the free accommodations provided by gurdwaras (though these are basic and crowded). The town's infrastructure strains under the influx—expect crowds, limited facilities, and a general atmosphere of controlled chaos.
Dress modestly and respectfully. Cover your head when near gurdwaras or religious activities (scarves are typically available if you forget). Remove shoes before entering gurdwaras and langar areas. Be prepared to sit on the floor for meals and ceremonies.
The langar operates continuously—don't hesitate to eat, regardless of your religion or background. The food is simple but delicious, and participating in langar is part of experiencing Sikh hospitality and equality.
Photography is generally acceptable during public demonstrations, but be respectful during religious ceremonies. Ask permission before photographing individuals, particularly Nihangs, who may have varying comfort levels with being photographed.
The atmosphere can be overwhelming—crowds, noise, dust, and intense activity from early morning to late night. But for those willing to embrace the experience, Hola Mohalla offers unparalleled insight into a living tradition, a community celebrating its heritage with genuine passion, and a vision of spirituality that encompasses both meditation and martial readiness.
The Living Legacy
As the drums fall silent and the last warriors depart Anandpur Sahib, as the crowds disperse and the town returns to its normal rhythms, Hola Mohalla's impact continues. Participants carry the experience back to their communities, sharing skills learned, connections made, and the renewed commitment to Sikh values.
For Nihangs and other devotees of martial traditions, the festival represents both reunion and renewal—a time to gather with others who share their commitment, to demonstrate skills preserved across generations, and to pass these traditions to younger members.
For casual visitors and tourists, Hola Mohalla often proves transformative—shattering stereotypes about religion being purely contemplative and peaceful, revealing the complexity and richness of Sikh tradition, and demonstrating that centuries-old practices can remain vibrantly alive in the modern world.
The festival embodies Guru Gobind Singh's vision from over three centuries ago—a community that maintains both spiritual devotion and martial readiness, that values peace but prepares for conflict when necessary, that serves humanity while preserving its distinct identity. In a world still grappling with oppression, injustice, and violence, Hola Mohalla's celebration of the saint-soldier ideal remains not just a historical commemoration but a living statement of values and principles worth preserving.