HOLA MAHALLA; COLOR OF DIVINE LOVE

Holi!!! A festival you all probably know but when it comes to Hola Mahalla people usually link it with holi and give up to understand the main essence of the festival.

Let's dig deep into our glorious history and learn more about this festival.

Hola Mahalla; is a Sikh festival that falls on the first day of the month of Chet (month according to Sikh calendar); which takes place in March.  The tradition of celebrating hola mahalla was started by the 10th Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. 


But the question derives that what does it mean and how it's celebrated. The word 'Hola' means to attack, and 'Mahalla' means 'Place to attack'. This festival was first celebrated in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab, India. Here, the Singhs are divided into troops of two, and mock battles are held. During the time of Guru Sahib, he would watch the fights and would bless the Singhs. 


Even, nowadays the festival of hola mahalla is celebrated with full enthusiasm in Anandpur Sahib and also in other places where ever a Sikh resides.



Numerous mock battles, exhibitions, displays of weapons, etc., are held followed by kirtan, and poetry competitions. The participants perform daring feats, such as Gatka (Sikh martial arts), tent pegging, bareback horse-riding, various other feats of bravery. For people visiting Anandpur Sahib, langars (voluntary community kitchens) are organized by the local people as a part of Sewa (community service). And; is served to the pilgrims who eat while sitting in rows on the ground. (Pangat)


During the time of Guru Sahib, the festival of holi was just considered as the festival of colors and the people forgot that the main reason for every festival is to connect to the source of enlightenment; THE ONE. 




The main motive of Hola Mahalla was to enhance the war abilities of the Sikhs and make them realize their unique identity. Guru sahib prohibited playing with colors, getting drunk, or any such thing which won't lead you to your utmost destination; that's connecting to God. Guru Sahib wanted every Sikh to be a Saint-Soldier; Not one indulged in the traditions that won't help him reach the one. Nowadays playing with colors; manipulating the main essence of this festival is started. But let's not forget what our father wanted us to be, and stop practicing your own mind desires.


"LET'S REJOICE THIS HOLA MAHALLA WITH THE ETERNAL COLORS OF DIVINE LOVE."

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