Hola Mohalla is a vibrant festival unique to Punjab. The festival is all about gallant, warriors, bravery, victory, glory and fearlessness. The word ‘Hola’ is a masculine form of the feminine word ‘Holi. It extends to three days but attendees stay for around a week in the city of Anandpur Sahib which is famous for Hola Mohalla festivities.

The festival involves martial art acts, eating langars, listening to Kirtan, camping out, military processions and many more. In fact, the word Hola Mohalla, itself translates into a mock fight. Ensure to witness the spectacular sight at Anandpur Sahib. It will surely turn into an amazing experience for you. Also, do not miss out on visiting the Virasat-e-Khalsa Museum while being in the city.

When

The festival is celebrated one day after Holi. This year we’ll be celebrating Hola Mohalla from March 17-19.

What to Expect

It’s a festival celebrated by many (mostly men) but the day belongs to the Nihangs. On the day after Holi, the Nihangs unerringly return to the fields of Gurudwara Holgarh Sahib for the festivities to happen. They perform mock battles, dancing menacingly with their swords and standing astride two running horses, while throwing colors at the audience.

Where

The celebration is held in the city of Anandpur Sahib which literally means ‘a place of bliss’. This is the place where the tenth Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, founded the Khalsa Panth, and where one of the five principal takhts of the Sikh faith lies.

Stay

a. Anand @ The Satluj: It is a luxury accommodation with farm stay. They offer luxury tented cottages, furnished with comfy four poster beds and serve organic and fresh food from the farm.

b. Kisan Haveli: A few minutes drive away from the city, this hotel offers spacious rooms and gorgeous views of the city ringed by Shivalik hills.

Getting there

a. Air: Chandigarh Airport is 87 km away and it is around 2hrs by road. The airport is connected via daily flights to the metros and other parts of the country.

b. Rail: Anandpur Sahib railway station offers connections to the rest of the country. Una Jan Shatabdi Express and Himachal Express connect the city to New Delhi and Gurmukhi SF Express connects it to Kolkata and Amritsar.

c. Road: It is 85km away from Chandigarh and the driving time is around 2hrs on the smooth highway. It takes about 4hrs to cover the 185km distance from Amritsar.

d. Bus: Buses of Punjab Roadways and Private Volvos ply between the two cities and Anandpur Sahib.

Contact

Anandpur Sahib: Tourist Information Centre, Near Takht Sri Kesh Garh Gurudwara, Guru Tej Bahadur Mansion, Anandpur Sahib, Tourist officer Kanwardeep Cell: 09779167832; Chandigarh Ropar Road, Head Works, Near Water Lily Restaurant, Ropar.