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Punjab is one of the most vibrant and beautiful states in north-west India. Punjab’s colorful and celebrated culture is mirrored in its several fairs and festivals. Punjabi people are festival lovers and they celebrate various festivals round the year. Holla Mohalla is one of the major festivals of Punjab. The festival is celebrated over three days and it maintains the quality of fun and enjoyment that is embodied by Holi. It is a community festival, which brings people together in an environment of sharing and caring for each other.
The Holla Mohalla is a military festival of Sikhs that is celebrated in the month of Phalgun according to Hindu calendar, which comes in March. This festival occurs a day after Holi. Nihang Sikhs organize dummy martial warfare on this day and they confirm their pledge to the Khalsa Panth.
Earlier the tenth Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh, started the festival as a get-together of Sikhs to ensure armed attentiveness through various martial exercises and battles. The beginning of Holla Mohalla dates back to 1757 AD. The festival reminds the people of bravery and defense awareness, which were the valued principles to the Guru Gobind while he was fighting with the Mughal Empire.
Guru Gobind Singh thought that Holi was no longer a festival that confirms organization and unity among the people of the state. Therefore, he tried to revitalize the strength of Holi by turning its spirit into a new festival.
On the day of Holla Mohalla Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred manuscript of Sikhs is brought out with ritual from its permanent chamber and it is placed on a stage. After that, the manuscript is given an emblematic bath with water and milk according to the tradition. The Sikhs organize vibrant demonstrations on the auspicious occasion of Holla Mohalla at Anadpur Sahib and Muktsar. Sikhs known as Nihangs, clothed in their conventional military customs take part in the parade.
One of the major attractions of Holla Mohalla is the mock battle that is fought between the mighty Nihang Sikhs. The battle is followed by arranging songs, music, poetry and other competitions. Nihangs are the members of the Sikh military that was established by Guru Gobind Singh. These militants represent their skills with mock battles and perform horse riding and swordsmanship on this occasion. All the events are breath taking and worth watching. The Nihangs also present mock encounters, bareback horse riding and other mighty performances. A performance of standing straight on two running horses is eye-catching and shaking. After all these performances, lunch for the whole community is served at the public hall. It is believed that the lunch has a sacred value and every pilgrim prefers taking this holy prasad.
Thus, Holla Mohalla is a unique festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm and vivacity. Do not miss an opportunity of attending the festival, if you are on Punjab tours during September.
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