Sikhing Answers
What is Hola Mohalla?
Sikhing Answers - XI
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TODAY'S QUESTION - # 11
On Friday, March 9 this year, we will celebrate Hola Mohalla.
What is Hola?
Why was it created as a Sikh festval?
Why do we observe it?
Posted on March 4, 2012
Closing Date: March 11, 2012
Conversation about this article
1: Tarsem Singh (Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India), March 05, 2012, 3:41 AM.
It is the only festival which was specifically created as a Sikh festival. Begun by Guru Gobind Singh, it has been designed to instill the spirit of chardi kalaa.
2: Mohan Singh (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), March 05, 2012, 10:19 AM.
During Holi, people playfully sprinkle colour, dry or mixed in water, on each other. Guru Gobind Singh wanted to make the day more meaningful and made it an occasion for the Sikhs to demonstrate their martial skills in simulated battles. This was done in the context of a grimmer struggle against the imperial powers following the battle of Nirmohgarh in 1700. Hence the custom originated in the time of Guru Gobind Singh who held the first Hola Mohalla in 1701. It was to be celebrated on a day distinctly separate from Holi to mark it as a Sikh festival and not to be confused or muddled with Holi's Hindu connotations. Hence, it's name and the fact that it is celebrated on the day AFTER Holi.
3: Lara Kaur Singh (Nebraska, U.S.A.), March 05, 2012, 1:31 PM.
Battling the oppressive Mughal forces on one side and the petty but pesky Hindu Hill Rajas on the other, Guru Gobind Singh wanted to emphasize the distinct nature of his Sikhs - who were markedly different from the other two groups in their values, practices and world view. Hence, Hola! It proclaimed to the world that it would have to reckon with the Khalsa's renaissance men and women henceforth.