Hola Mohalla is one of the major three-day Sikh festivals observed with immense pride and martial spirit in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab. The Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, initiated the festival in 1701 to display their strength, bravery, and discipline through martial arts training and battle practice.
Hola Mohalla takes place every year in March. It includes martial arts (Gatka), battle practice, horse riding, and kirtan. Nihang Sikhs, dressed in blue, demonstrate powerful swordsmanship, strength, Sikh valor, and heritage. The kirtans, religious teachings, and readings from the Guru Granth Sahib are parallel to Hola Mohalla and provide a powerful mix of the spiritual and the warrior ideals.
Hola Mohalla has a rich cultural and spiritual significance apart from the visual treat that it provides. With our India tour packages,you also can experience the magic of these festivals and understand the rich history that they hold. This blog will walk you through everything that you need to know about Hola Mohalla 2026.
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One of the most historically rich and significant Sikh spring festivals, Hola Mohalla is celebrated every year in March, right after Holi in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab.
This three-day-long festival falls on the second day of the lunar month of Chett, sometimes even coinciding with the dates of Holi.
The festival showcases the martial, spiritual, and cultural significance of Sikhism by demonstrating their physical strength and skills.
The word “Hola” means charge or attack, while “Mohalla” means organised procession, which together means display of collective power and unity. The festival features thousands of Nihang Sikhs demonstrating Gatka (Sikh martial art), mock battles, horse riding, sword fighting and archery.
Apart from the martial performances, Hola Mohalla also includes Nagar Kirtans, recitation of Gurbani, and langers where free meals are provided to all.
The Hola Mohalla festival is indeed a great demonstration of tradition, unity, and power. Attending Hola Mohalla is one of the most incredible things to do in Punjab.
Why Is Hola Mohalla Celebrated?
Hola Mohalla is celebrated to honor the Sikh tradition of martial arts, valor, and community envisioned by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1701.
- He introduced the Hola Mohalla celebration for Sikhs to practice military training, strategic planning, and public demonstrations of courage.
- During Hola Mohalla, you will see Sikhs reciting Gurbani and reflecting on equality and selfless services.
- During Hola Mohalla, you will see Sikhs displaying skills such as Gatka, horse riding, archery, and mock combat that showcase leadership and survival skills.
- Another reason to celebrate Hola Mohalla is to remind Sikhs to stand against injustice and protect goodness.
Hola Mohalla: Location, Timing and 2026 Dates
Location: Hola Mohalla is predominantly celebrated in Anandpur Sahib, a city in Rupnagar District and one of the best places to visit in Punjab. The primary Hola Mohalla celebration takes place at Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib, which is one of the five Takhts of Sikhism.
Timing: The Hola Mohalla date falls in the Sikh month of Chet, usually in March, on the next day of Holi or sometimes even on the same day. The celebrations last for three days, although related programs often begin prior to Hola Mohalla. Hola Mohalla 2026 will happen from Wed, 4 Mar, 2026, to Fri, 6 Mar, 2026.
How To Reach Anandpur Sahib For Hola Mohalla 2026
You can reach the Hola Mohalla venue easily by air, rail, or road. Here are some ways you can choose for a seamless journey.
By Air: Chandigarh International Airport is the nearest airport to Anandpur Sahib if you are planning to celebrate Hola Mohalla, which is approximately 100 km away. You can take a taxi or bus to Anandpur Sahib, which will take you almost 2 hours, depending on the traffic conditions.
By Train: Another easy way to reach Hola Mohalla Anandpur Sahib is by train. The closest railway station to Hola Mohalla Anandpur Sahib is Anandpur Sahib Railway Station, which is just 1.5 to 2 km away. It is easy to walk or take an auto ride.
By Road: Another option to reach Hola Mohalla 2026 is by road through nearby places like Chandigarh and Delhi. You can take private buses or taxis, which operate regularly during the festival.
Hola Mohalla: Significance And History
- Strength and Discipline: The history of Hola Mohalla dates back to 1701 in Anandpur Sahib, where the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, initiated the festival. An alternative to the traditional spring festival Holi, Hola Mohalla was started to showcase martial readiness, discipline, and strength amongst Sikhs. The festival was designed in such a way that it demonstrated inspiration through mock battles, weaponry displays, horseback riding, and physical strength.
- Spiritual Significance: Over time, Hola Mohalla Anandpur Sahib has turned into a festival that combines spiritual devotion and martial traditions. The celebrations include kirtan, commitment to Khalsa Panth, recitations of Gurbanis, langar, and Nihang Sikhs showcasing Gatka and other techniques.
- The Spirit of Community: Hola Mohalla celebration is also a true demonstration of unity in diversity where people from all backgrounds come together to show brotherhood and stand against injustice.
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How Is Hola Mohalla Celebrated?
1.Martial Art (Gatka) Demonstration:
One of the most powerful ways to celebrate Hola Mohalla is martial arts demonstrations, especially Gatka, which shows Sikhs' martial preparedness. Envisioned by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1701, Hola Mohalla was a way for Nihang Sikhs to rehearse for defence.
Gatka is performed using real authentic weapons such as sticks, swords, spears and shields. Some of the other demonstrations include tent pegging, horsemanship feats, riding two horses simultaneously, mounted swordplay and dangerous balance demonstrations.
2.Grand Nihang Singh Processions:
The grand Nihang Sikh processions are one of the most historically rooted parts of Hola Mohalla celebration. You will witness Nihang Sikhs dressed in blue attire moving through streets and open grounds in Anandpur Sahib.
The participants carry traditional arms such as talwars, spears, and shields, ride horses, and perform feats of valor. Along the way, you will also see Gatka demonstrations, mounted maneuvers, and weapon drills in real time.
3.Kirtan And Spiritual Gathering:
Kirtan and spiritual gatherings are one of the best ways to combine martial displays with spiritual devotion. Throughout the Hola Mohalla celebration, you will see continuous Gurbani Kirtan being performed at various gurudwaras in Anandpur Sahib, primarily in Takht Sri KesHgarh Sahib, the birthplace of the Khalsa.
Your ears will be blessed by ragis singing verses from the holy Guru Granth Sahib Ji that emphasize moral discipline and truthful living.
4.Langar:
One of the most integral parts of the Hola Mohalla celebration is Langar, demonstrating Sikh principles of equality, service, and responsibility. You will witness roadside tents and Gurdwaras serving Langar, free meals to millions of pilgrims, volunteers, and visitors, throughout the celebrations.
5.Colorful Atmosphere and Cultural Festivities:
A powerful and traditional alternative to Holi, Hola Mohalla offers visual richness through grand processions and martial art demonstrations. You will see Nihang Sikhs dressed in blue with real weapons, decorated horses, and flags.
Martial power, folk music, and Nagar Kirtan add to the intensity of Hola Mohalla, making it a historically memorable festival.
Important Tips To Celebrate Hola Mohalla
- Respect Sikh Traditions: You should cover your head, dress modestly, remove your shoes, and follow local customs while entering gurudwaras in Hola Mohalla Anandpur Sahib.
- Attend Nagar Kirtan: Hola Mohalla is all about grand processions with kirtans, martial demonstrations, and community spirit, which you should go to.
- Witness Gatka & Other Martial Displays: Weapon skills, mock battles, and balance demonstrations by Nihang Sikh are an integral part of Hola Mohalla, which you should witness.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink lots of water, as Hola Mohalla involves standing and walking for long hours.
- Have Langar: Take part in the Langar, do seva, and have langar meals that are served to everyone during Hola Mohalla 2026.
- Accommodation: Arrange for your stay in advance and reach Anandpur Sahib at least a day prior to avoid the rush.
- Learn The History: Learn about the vision of Guru Gobind Singh Ji to fully enjoy the festival of Hola Mohalla.
- Witness Early Morning Rituals: If you reach Anandpur Sahib early in the morning, you’ll notice Nihang Sikhs preparing horses and weapons near the Takht, a sight most first-time visitors miss.
- Langar Queues: It can stretch for hundreds of metres during peak hours, yet meals move quickly due to disciplined volunteer systems
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Why Sikh Celebrate Hola Mohalla In Punjabi?
Hola Mohalla is a festival that expresses Sikh belief, history, and courage. Hola Mohalla is more than a festival; it is a tradition that celebrates the ideals of Guru Gobind Singh Ji in equal measure. If you are wondering why Sikh celebrate Hola Mohalla in Punjabi, then bravery, discipline, and devotion is the answer.
By its martial demonstrations, religious processions, and sense of selfless service, Hola Mohalla reiterates the eternal Sikh ideal of unity and resilience.
