Holla Mohalla is a Sikh festival celebrated in the month of Phalguna , a day after Holi. An annual festival held at Anandpur Sahib in Punjab, Hola Mohalla was started by the tenth Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh, as a gathering of Sikhs for military exercises and mock battles on the day following the festival of Holi. It reminds the people of valour and defence preparedness, concepts dear to the Tenth Guru who was at that time battling the Mughal empire. On this three-day festival mock battles are held followed by music and poetry competitions. The Nihang Singhs (members of the Sikh army that was founded by Guru Govind Singh) carry on the martial tradition with mock battles and displays of swordsmanship and horse riding. They perform daring feats, such as Gatka (mock encounters), tent pegging, bareback horse-riding and standing erect on two speeding horses.

Detailed Itinerary:

07 March, Tuesday: Delhi to Anandpur Sahib via Amritsar

This morning fly down to Amritsar. We will meet you at the airport and then drive to Anandpur Sahib — where the very dramatic Holla Mohalla takes place.

The Holla Mohalla is an impressive traditional display of bravery and valor that is a must see.

The ultimate display of machismo - Holla Mohalla, an annual Sikh festival held a day after Holi, has the drama, the sweat and the incredible colours that Indian festivals are known for. With impressive displays of weaponry, archery and wrestling, there's also music, poetry and prayers, singing and chanting. An important part of the festival is the langar (community food) that is served to pilgrims irrespective of their religion or caste. One of the main attractions at the festival are the Nihangs — a prestigious armed sect of the Sikha who wear a striking blend of blue and orange, with thick twisted moustaches and overwhelmingly large and embellished turbans. They also demonstrate thrilling horse riding shows where the riders gallop bareback, performing tricks like riding astride two horses. Holla Mohalla is held at Anandpur Sahib in the state of Punjab, and it is estimated that over 100,000 Sikh devotees attend the festival. This is an amazing festival with great photo opportunities!

Overnight at the Tents

08 & 09 March, Wednesday and Thursday: In Anandpur Sahib

We will start early in the morning to witness and capture the various activities that take place during the festival. We will spend the entire day here photographing this colorful and amazing festival.

Overnight at the Tents

10 March, Friday: Anandpur Sahib to Delhi Via Chandigarh

After a relaxing morning shoot, later today we will drive to Chandigarh to board the flight to Delhi.

On arrival you will be transferred to you hotel and assisted in check-in. The rest of the evening is at leisure.

You will be transferred to the Airport to board your flight back home!