Hola Mohalla or The Festival of Mock War
Holla Mohalla - a Sikh festival is celebrated every year in March, in the historic townships of Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib in the foothills of Shivaliks in the state of Punjab. Coinciding with Holi, the festival of colour, it reminds the people about the tradition of meaningful festivity, and displays the valour inculcated in the Sikh community by Guru Gobind Singh, who took to armed struggle against tyranny. It is celebrated over three days and it retains the character of fun and joy of Holi which concludes a day before. The word “Hola Mohalla” means mock fight.
With shining swords, long spears, conical turbans and twirled-up moustaches, Nihangs gallop past on frothing horses, raising clouds of dust. The soldiers still remain the main attraction of the present day Hola Mohalla. They still observe the religious code of social conduct, live in camps and eat in iron utensils.
The Nihangs, dressed in deep blue robes, who can perhaps claim to be the most photographed persons in this part of the world, begin their preparations early in the morning with a bath and prayers. The various activities of the Nihangs, especially of the Budha (older) Dal faction, draw large crowds.
A sea of humanity descends on these towns from across the globe during the festival. Recently, the Indian government accorded it the status of a national festival.
This is a suggested tour. It can be tailor-made to suit your requirements. Please contact us for a tailor made tour.
Hola Mohalla - Day 01, Arrival / Delhi
Assistance on arrival at international airport and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Delhi is the capital city of India and a major tourist attraction. It has rich heritage and cultural values. . In the deepest sense, from Old Delhi’s Red fort and Jama Masjid mosque to New Delhi’s chic art galleries and nightclubs, Delhi is profoundly Indian city.
Hola Mohalla - Day 02, Delhi
After breakfast city sightseeing of Old Delhi with its narrow and winding streets and the New Delhi with it broad avenues. Evening free for independent activities. Overnight Stay at Hotel.
Hola Mohalla - Day 03, Delhi / Chandigarh
Early morning transfer to railways station to board shatabdi express train to Chandigarh. Assistance on arrival at station and transfer to hotel.
Chandigarh is the first best planned city and is the capital of the state of Haryana and Punjab and a Union territory.
Afternoon visit Rock Garden, Leisure Valley and boating on Sukhna Lake. Evening free for independent activities. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Hola Mohalla - Day 04, Chandigarh / Anandpur Sahib / Chandigarh
After early breakfast drive 1.5 hrs to Anandpur Sahib. On arrival explore the Hola Mohalla festival. Spend the day visiting various religious centres of Sikh People called Gurudwara.
Anandpur Sahib is one of the most significant holy places of the Sikhs and is closely associated with their religious traditions and history. The town is surrounded by charming natural scenery in the foothills of Shivaliks and falls in the state of Punjab. Anandpur Sahib was founded 1664 by Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji, in 1664 near the ruins of an ancient place, Makhowal. Anandpur Sahib is only second to the city of Golden Temple Amritsar as far as religious significance of the city is concerned.
Anandpur Sahib, although small but booms into lively activities in the occasion of Hola Mohalla every year.
Later return to Chandigarh for overnight stay at Hotel.
Hola Mohalla - Day 05, Chandigarh / Anandpur Sahib / Chandigarh
Today also you will drive to Anandpur Sahib to witness the final day of celebrations of Hola Mohalla where you will see the Nihangs or Sikh soldier displaying their war skills and riding horses and elephants. Join the procession to have the actual feel of the atmosphere.
Late evening return to Chandigarh for overnight stay at Hotel.
Hola Mohalla - Day 06, Chandigarh / Delhi / Agra
Early morning transfer to railway station to board train to Delhi. You will be met on arrival at New Delhi station and driven 4 to 5 hrs to Agra. On arrival at Agra check into your hotel for overnight stay.
Hola Mohalla - Day 07, Agra / Jaipur
Early morning visit to Taj Mahal at sunrise. After breakfast visit Agra Fort. Later drive 5 hrs to Jaipur.
On arrival at Jaipur check into your hotel for overnight stay.
Note:- Taj Mahal remain closed on Fridays.
Hola Mohalla - Day 08, Jaipur
After early breakfast visit Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the region. Later city sightseeing Jaipur city visiting Hawa Mahal or Palace of winds, Jantar Mantar or the observatory and city palace.
Evening free to explore the colourful streets of Jaipur famous for its arts & crafts, Textiles and Gems & Jewellery. Overnight stay at Hotel
Hola Mohalla - Day 09, Jaipur / Delhi
Spend the morning at leisure. Later drive 5 hrs to Delhi. On arrival check into your hotel for overnight stay.
Hola Mohalla - Day 10, Delhi / Departure
After breakfast ttransfer to international airport for flight to onward destination.
