Not many individuals could have heard of this over 300 12 months outdated pageant in Anandpur Sahib, referred to as ‘Hola Mohalla’.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-about the private 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 at all times needed to go to this pageant, however the month of March is stuffed with work. This 12 months, we determined to only go for it, and an invitation from a pal in Una, Himachal Pradesh, solely helped.
Sadly not a lot data is on the market on-line in a cohesive method about Hola Mohalla. In our makes an attempt to search for data, we missed some essential moments. However by and huge, that is the way it occurs:
Hola Mohalla is widely known on the day after Holi. Discover the date of Holi, and it’s Hola Mohalla the following day. Attain the historic Gurudwara of Keshgarh Sahib at Anandpur Sahib, actually early within the morning, like perhaps 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 awesome photographic alternative. There are millions of devotees who pour in from all over the place on vehicles, tractors, vans, something… there’s a Langar (a group 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 subject. 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 need has at all times been to make that journey occur some day. While at Anandpur Sahib, we took just a little break on the Gurudwara Lohgarh Sahib, solely to find virtually my whole 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 12 months was extra like a recce, and we plan to go extra ready the following 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. Take a look at the Holi date and Hola Mohalla is strictly the day after. In March the climate is scorching throughout the day and funky at night time. Put together accordingly.
Methods to attain Anandpur Sahib: The closest airport is Chandigarh, or Ludhiana. One can take a practice to Anandpur Sahib as nicely. We drove in.
The place to remain: There are lots of keep choices at Anandpur Sahib. Guide them nicely upfront else they are going to be bought out. Take a look at 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 chances are you’ll wish to carry your personal water bottles. You might be welcome to seize a meal/snacks/tea and so forth at any of the langars. You might be additionally welcome to enter any of the Gurudwaras so long as you retain your head lined and footwear outdoors.
