FILM

Hola Mahalla is a little known Sikh festival that takes place annually, in India. Dubbed the Sikh Olympics, it involves sword fights, daring horse stunts and a dab of spiritualism.

Hola Mahalla is a little known Sikh festival that takes place annually in Anandpur, India. Dubbed the Sikh Olympics, it involves sword fights, daring horse stunts and a dab of spiritualism. This documentary focuses on the festival Hola Mahalla that has been running since the 17th century, showcasing skills such as swordsmanship and daring horse stunts that are with an ever decreasing number of nomadic Sikhs. Featuring key interviews with Nihang Jatherdar (High Priest) Baba Nihal Singh and Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar, Late Giani Tirlochan Singh. This beautifully shot film takes the viewer on a journey through the festival and Anandpur Sahib, the "City of Bliss", providing a snapshot into a world rarely experienced outside of India and exploring this Forgotten Festival.

This 44 minute documentary focuses on the festival Hola Mahalla that has been running since the 17th century, showcasing skills such as swordsmanship and daring horse stunts that are with an ever decreasing number of nomadic Sikhs.

Featuring key interviews with Nihang Jathedar (High Priest) Baba Nihal Singh and Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar, Late Giani Tirlochan Singh. This beautifully shot film takes the viewer on a journey through the festival and Anandpur Sahib, the "City of Bliss", providing a snapshot into a world rarely experienced outside of India and exploring this Forgotten Festival.

Festivals

Featured in the Jaipur International Film Festival (JIIF), 3rd India Cine Film Festival (ICFF-15), Access Code Short Film Festival and the Bradford Big Screen.

To read a review of the documentary film click here.

videos from the Hola Mahalla documentary

 

EDUCATION

The film is a great Sikh educational resource covering topics including:

  • Hola Mahalla

  • Vaisakhi/Baisakhi

  • Langar-Free Kitchens

  • Nagar Kirtans/Processions

  • The Sikh Gurus

  • Harimandhir Sahib/The Golden Temple

  • Gurdwaras/Sikh Temples

  • Anandpur "City of Bliss"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

hola moholla holla mahalla