Hola Mohalla

Hola Mohalla is a festival celebrated by Sikhs in the city of Anandpur Sahib in the Punjab, which is known as ‘the holy City of Bliss’. This day marks the beginning of the year 549 in the Sikh Nanakshahi calendar. The calendar started with the birth of Guru Nanak in 1469, the founder of Sikhism.

Who celebrates?

Sikhs around the world.

How do people celebrate?

• It is celebrated by watching and joining marital arts parades led by Nishan sahibs of the Gurdwaras (members of the Sikh army founded by Guru Govind Singh)
• Parades are followed by music and poetry contests.

What should I know?

• Guru Gobind Singh started this festival for Sikhs to practices their military skills
• Some people identify as ethnically Sikh as well as religiously Sihk
• Therefore just because someone is Sikh, it does not mean they will be celebrating
• 0.8% of the UK identified with the Sikh religion in the 2011 census.

How can I support others?

• Ask people if they or their families will be celebrating
• Do not assume that if someone’s family is Sikh that they will be celebrating
• Encourage celebrations internally and externally
• Talk to your team about the religious representation among your volunteer, employee and service user population and if it’s representative of your area.

Sikh Museum UK: Hola Mohulla: https://www.sikhmuseum.org.uk/documenting-hola-mohalla/

National Geographic: Hola Mohulla: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2HsrPi3Yc8