“Mohalla” is a Punjabi word that means an organised procession and “Hola” is masculine for Holi.

This three-day Sikh festival of valour, faith and brotherhood is celebrated during Holi in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab.

It was back in 1700s when Guru Gobind Singh Ji founded Khalsa (an army of warriors) and started holding a sports day to see the war preparedness of his army and reward the outstanding warriors. Since then, this day became an annual event where all the warriors would come and showcase their martial skills and be a part of the cultural magnificence during Holi.

At Hola Mohalla, these warriors gather to display their skills of the martial tradition and horsemanship with spectacular mock battles (gatka), swordsmanship, archery, tent pegging and bareback horse riding.