The Festival of Colours as Celebrated in Punjab

A festival that celebrates brotherhood, fraternity and valour, Hola Mohalla was started by the Tenth Sikh leader, Guru Gobind Singh, in the 17th century.

For many days before the event, everyone flocks to Anandpur, the City of Bliss, in the Indian state of Punjab. They come bearing raw ingredients for food such as wheat and other grains for the camps and the Shri Keshgarh Sahib Gurudwara’s community kitchen.

While the actual festival lasts three days, participants camp out for a week to attend the displays at the prime location, Anandpur Sahib.

The Nihang Sikhs, while appearing fierce, descend upon the city in a whirlwind of smiles and energy. Each group comes with their leader in a barrage or motorbikes, jeeps, cars, carts, trolleys, buses and more.

The groups set up camp all across the city, with some choosing to stay at the Gurudwara and some choosing to stay at the many campsites made available for the festival.

The camps set up their own kitchens with elaborate meals being prepared and shared with all those who wish to join in.

These kitchens serve simple, nutritious meals for those who wish to attend.

Early morning prayers at the Gurudwara signifies the start of the festival.
Devotional music and the recital of the Guru Granth Sahib follow. Stories are told of the valour of Sikh Gurus.

After the prayers, a number of festivities take place simultaneously. From the Gurudwara, celebrations move to the Charan Ganga Stadium.

At the stadium, participants put up a display of skills.The remarkable feats of courage, skill and discipline attract a large crowd who gather to watch the festivities. 

Horsemanship plays a huge role in the festivities. The display of horse riding goes beyond the basic, with some taking on daredevilish acts, riding not one or two but three and sometimes even four horses at the same time.

Friendly competitions of sword fighting are held, with Nihang fighters from different groups displaying their skills in the art.

Another area of skills displayed is on the motorbike. As modernity was embraced in the community, some Nihang Sikh traded their horses in for motorbikes.

The participants dress in their ethnic attire during the festivities.

They wear their traditional blue robes and embellished dastars, which are tall turbans that rise high above their heads.

Some even wear traditional chainmail during the display of skills.

Some of the participants even play with powdered or wet colours during the festivities, even though it isn’t an official part of the celebrations.

On the last day, a long procession is held, starting from and ending at the Takhat Keshgarh Sahib.

Explore more here.