Sahibe Kamal -6

In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh Ji

After the battle at Bhangani Guruji stayed for few more months at Paonta and then returned to Anandpur Sahib. Guru ji realized that Moguls and Kings of hills will retaliate after the defeat of Bhangani. The fortification of Anandpur had become important. It was also important to consolidate tenets of Sikhism because after his return at Anandpur Sahib he saw many of his devotees had joined the adversaries and those weak hearted had run away from there. Much of his time was spent in making several forts at strategic points so that enemy could be defeated much outside the territory of Anandpur Sahib. The Hill Kingdoms  continuously complained to the Emperor regarding the fortification and growing influence of Guruji. So many years of contemplation on the matters of State, study of scriptures had given an insight to Guruji that something more dramatic event was necessary to change the suppressive, downtrodden mentality of people so that they become so brave, loyal, high spirited and at the same time remain spiritual. For bringing about the change, the change in conduct of people was necessary, eradication of fear from invisible and superstitions and foremost a good physical and mental training was necessary. 

In Hindus the main festivals were divided according to the castes like Brahmins celebrated Baisakhi – the festival when new crops come and offerings to Gods were made. Kashtriyas celebrated Dussehra – festivals to have victory over evil and during this festival all the weapons were worshipped, the Vaishyas celebrated the diwali and worshipped Godess Laxmi. The Shudras were allowed to celebrate holi, a festival to celebrate onset of spring and this is mostly celebrated by throwing colours on each other and lot of intoxicants were used during this festival. To bring about the vigour and vitality and to enhance the respect for this festival of shudras Guruji totally changed the celebration art of this festival. He invited people for this festival to Anandpur Sahib and started calling this festival hola- mahala. This word was coined from two languages that is Persian where hola or halla means attack and Mahala from Arabic meaning charge in a column (like making a column in war). The people were divided in two columns and actual war games with several weapon types were played and several groups took part in it. This was not only display of mastery in war games but to bring that spirit of chardi kala in people from all castes. People came from all over the country to take part in these war games and fighting, this tradition still continues in Anandpur Sahib. This practical training was necessary to enhance physical and mental exercise for making a smooth transition in a dormant spirit to making knights from the downtrodden like sparrows fighting the hawks.