While the vibrant Holi festival boasts of sprinkling color powders and splashing water, Hola Mohalla takes the form of demonstrating martial skills in simulated battles. Apparently, the name Hola is the masculine name of the feminine Holi. Started by Guru Gobind Singh, Holla Mohalla is celebrated a day after the Hindu festival of Holi. Since then, this tradition of practicing mock battles has gradually spread to Kiratpur Sahib, nearby town of Anandpur Sahib, and other Gurdwaras across the globe. The event was held in Holgarh Fort, across the rivulet Charan Ganga, northwest of Anandpur Sahib. Eventually, on 22nd February, 1701, Guru Gobind Singh started a new tradition of dedicating a day towards mock fights and poetry contests. The Khalsa Panth fighting force had been founded by the Guru during that time. Historical Background Of Hola Mohalla Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru and his force were in the act of a war with the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb and the Rajputs simultaneously. Scroll through the lines below to know more about the origin and historical background of Hola Mohalla. The tradition of observing was started by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. Though the festival is celebrate largely throughout Punjab and Haryana, the major attractions are those held in Anandpur from where this festival is said to have originated. This lively and colorful festival is associated with displays of mock fights, weapons, exhibitions, kirtan, and music and poetry competitions. This date usually falls in the month of March according to the Gregorian calendar.

The Sikh festival of Holla Mohalla is commemorated on the first day of the lunar month of Chet in the Nanakshahi calendar.

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