TRANSFORMATION OF HOLI




                                          
  















                                    
                                                    TRANSFORMATION OF HOLI

Before the advent of Khalsa, Holi was looked down upon by many as a festival of the so called Shudras- the lowest of four Varnas or castes of the Hindus- and other backward classes. As per Hindu mythology, Holi commemorated the emancipation of Prahlad, a devotee of Lord, though born as the son of the wicked  King Hirnyakashap who was supposed to belong to a lower stratification of the society.


 As the doors of Khalsa were open for people of all castes, colours and creeds, Guru Gobind Singh thoughtfully incorporated the festival of Holi into  the scheme of the young nation . However, he completely changed its face firstly by giving it a masculine name HOLA in keeping with martial concept of the KHALSA .He also replaced the dirty colours which were  used then to celebrate the festival with natural dry colors . He also made it mandatory to showcase the martial arts on the occasion.

The Hola Mohalla, as it is now known among the Khalsa Sikhs, is traditionally celebrated at Anandpur Sahib the birthplace of Khalsa with great fervour.

Happy celebration.

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