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The word Nihang can be traced back to Persian nihang (crocodile) or to Sanskrit nishanka (fearless, carefree). (turban) swathed with quoits, symbolic of the Khalsa and rosaries made of iron. Recognised by their dark blue apparel and are always armed. Still carry the military ambience and style to this day that was fosteredĭuring the lifetime of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Playing a critical role throughout Sikh history and military. Nihangs have historically been revered with great affection and respect by Originally known as Akalis, the Nihang SinghsĪre endearingly entitled as the Guru’s Knights or the Guru’s beloved. He repeats the name of the One whom the Guru has called Akal, arming himself with weapons of iron. For me, the deeper meaning of Hola Mohalla is keeping our blades sharp but our minds sharper. Hola Mohalla falls on the day after Holi and unlike Holi celebrations, whereby people playfully hurl coloured powder on each other, Guru Gobind Singh Ji made Hola Mahalla an occasion for Sikhs to demonstrate their martial skills in simulated battles. The Treasure-Chest of Compassion (Guru Gobind Singh) spoke these priceless words: “For others it is ‘Holi’, for me it is ‘Hola’. There are also processions led by the nishan sahibs (flag) accompanied with war drums proceeding from one Gurdwara to another. Sikhs celebrate by watching and partaking in war games, gatka (Sikh martial-art using weapons), falconry, weaponry displays and more. We must celebrate Hola Mohalla for it is an eternal reminder to people of valour and the importance of remaining ‘thyaar bar thyaar’ (prepared physically and spiritually).Įven to this day, Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s traditions are kept alive at Anandpur Sahib by Sikhs across the world. The onus is upon us to uphold these traditions for the generations to come. It’s a shame some of the community have forgotten the way of the Khalsa. We wield weapons not to harm or attack but to protect and defend ourselves from oppressors. Guru Gobind Singh Ji showed the people how Khalsa celebrate’s Hola which symbolizes our love and respect for our Shastars (weapons). Sikh’s would showcase their spectacular display of Gatka and martial art skills which would be rewarded by Guru Gobind Singh Ji by those who they were most impressed by. There are also a number of Darbars where Sri Guru Granth Sahib is present and Kirtan (devotional music), poetry competitions and religious lectures take place. Guru Gobind Singh Ji often surrounded themselves with scholars and educated men awarding them with patronage to create works of literature. Anandpur Sahib is known to host many Kavi Darbars during this time where scholarly pursuits take place. Hola Mahalla involves the Sikh community displaying their strength by performing dare-devil like acts consisting of bareback horse-riding, standing on two speeding horses, Gatka, tent pegging etc. The tenth Guru- Guru Gobind Singh Ji started this festival in the Holgarh fort at the north-western corridor of Anandpur (city of bliss) on Chet vBk (22nd February, 1701) during times of war (against the Mughal empire and Hindu hill kings) as a day for Sikhs to demonstrate their military prowess via mock battles. The correct pronunciation is best done by breaking up the words as – Ho-laa Ma-haal-laa. Hola is the masculine form of the feminine sounding Holi and “Mohalla” is derived from the Arabic root hal (alighting, descending) and is a Punjabi word that implies an organised procession in the form of a military column. Hola Mahalla or simply Hola is a 3 day Sikh festival which usually falls in March. Hola Mohalla is a reminder to the Sikh nation to remain ever-prepared to fight the inner and outer war. Hola Mahalla’s great historical and military significance can contribute remarkably to a greater awareness of Sikh heritage. An occasion for Sikhs to re-affirm their commitment to the Khalsa Panth. Hola Mohalla is more than just a festival, it is a state of liberated living and chardikala (eternal optimism).