![]() It was here at Anandpur that on Baisakhi of 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji inaugurated the Khalsa and the Panj Piare (the five beloved ones) hence inaugurating the order of Saint-Soldiers who pledged their dedication to defend the needy, poor and oppressed and their respective social, economic and political rights. Being one of the supremely important historical centres of the Sikhs it has been reverently called Anandpur Sahib. This rejuvenates the ‘Saint and Soldier’ belief and strengthens allegiance towards upholding truth and justice to protect dignity and freedom.Īnandpur (City of Bliss) is situated on one of the lower spurs of the Shiwalik Hills in Ropar District of Punjab and is well connected with the rest of the country both by road and rail. Thousands flock to the holy city of Anandpur Sahib to celebrate the Sikh way of life which comprises meditation, contemplation and fitness. Hola Mahalla is presently the biggest festival at Anandpur. The tradition has since spread from the town of Anandpur Sahib to nearby Kiratpur Sahib and the foothills of the Shivaliks, and to other Gurdwaras around the world. Hola Mahalla became an annual event held in an open ground near Holgarh, a Fort across the rivulet Charan Ganga, northwest of Anandpur sahib. ![]() On February 22, 1701, Guru Gobind Singh started a new tradition by overseeing a day of mock battles and poetry contests at Holgarh Fort. The Guru was in the midst of fighting both Aurangzeb of the Mughal Empire and the Hill Rajputs, and had recently established the Khalsa Panth. The event was originated by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru. ![]() This three-day festival ends with a procession, led by Panj Pyarae (Five beloveds), which starts from Takth Keshgarh Sahib (Holy Shrine at Sri Anandpur Sahib) and returns to its original location after marching past various Gurdwaras. ![]() The event lasts for a week, and consists of camping out and enjoying various displays of fighting prowess and bravery, followed by kirtan, music, and poetry. It most often falls in March, and sometimes coincides with the Sikh New Year. Hola Mahalla begins on the first day of the lunar month of Chet in the Nanakshahi calendar. The words ‘Hola Mohalla’ would thus stand for ‘The charge of an army.’ ![]() Holla Mohalla Hola is derived from the word halla (a military charge) and the term mohalla stands for an organised procession or an army column. ![]()
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