Nihang Sikhs show their skills during Fateh Diwas, a religious procession taken out to mark the Bandi Chorh Diwas in Amritsar. (APHIMAGES)

 

The custom of Hola Mahalla originated in the time of Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708) who held the first march at Anandpur on Chet vadi 1, 1757 Bk (22nd February, 1701). Unlike Holi, when people playfully sprinkle color on each other, the Guru made Hola Mahalla an occasion for the Sikhs to demonstrate their martial skills in simulated battles. This was probably done forestalling a grimmer struggle against the Imperial power following the battle of Ninnohgarh in 1700. Holla Mahalla became an annual event held in an open ground near Holgarh Fort across the rivulet Charan Ganga, northwest to the town of Anandpur sahib in Punjab, India. – Jotsimran Singh Dua / sikhnet.com

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