Holla Mohalla is the festival of Punjab. It is celebrated over three days and
retains the character of fun and enjoyment that Holi has always embodied. In
addition to that, it is also a community festival that brings people together in
an atmosphere of sharing and caring. It is also an occasion to remember the
valour of the Sikhs in battling the enemies of the land. The festival day begins
with early morning prayers at the gurudwaras. The Guru Granth Sahib is
ceremoniously taken out and bathed ritually with milk and water. After that, it
is placed on the platform and venerated.
Kirtans are sung and people perform kar seva. The prasad is consecrated and
everyone partakes of it. After the service, community lunch is served at the
common hall.
Evening is the time for cultural activities. The Nihang Sikhs, who are part of
the Sikh army that Guru Gobind Singh founded, exhibit their martial skills and
daring through mock battles, sword-fighting displays, archery and horse-riding
exercises. The Nihangs also splash colour on the spectators, and everyone
follows suit.
Special programmes are organised for Holla Mohalla. Stories and songs about the
life, valour and wisdom of the ten Sikh gurus, from Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind
Singh, are told and recited.
Music, dance and poetry programmes and competitions are held at many venues. A
highlight of the last day of the festival is the procession through the
important gurudwaras in town.
Anandpur Sahib
Holla Mohalla, while being an occasion to rejoice, is also a time to restore
faith in the Khalsa Panth and rededicate oneself to the service of the
community. Everyone, irrespective of their social standing, involves themselves
in kar seva - manual labour, like helping in the langars, or public kitchens,
cleaning the gurudwaras, and washing dishes.
The festival is celebrated grandly at Anandpur Sahib. Thousands of people visit
the shrine to participate in prayers. Holla Mohalla is a reminder that enjoyment
of life should go hand in hand with the responsibilities to society and constant
effort to improve oneself and contribute to helping others and bettering life
for others.
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