The holiday of Hola Mohalla is an annual martial arts festival and parade featuring sword dancing exhibitions, known as Gatka, in Sikhism. The Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism's Holy Scripture, is ceremonial placed upon a float and paraded through town. Five Sikh leaders known as the Panj Pyara walk at the head of Guru Granth Sahib. Other floats follow along behind. The Sikh congregation walks along side or rides on floats singing hymns, known as Kirtan, during the procession. A Gatka troupe puts on demonstrations and displays featuring Sikh martial art exhibitions for onlookers.
Guru Gobind Singh instituted the week long Hola Mohalla exhibition as an alternative for Sikhs to Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors, a rowdy licentious celebration marking the end of winter. Hola Mohalla begins in mid March on the first day of the month of Chet, Sikhism's New Year.
- Graphic Index
- Text Index
