I began to imagine the great tradition of Hola Mohalla started by Guru Gobind Singh jee at Anandpur Sahib some three hundred years ago. On this occasion, every year, the Great Guru organized military war games to instill a fearless spirit and complete the image of his followers as true saint-soldiers who would be ready to sacrifice their all to honor and defend the inalienable human rights and dignity of fellow beings against tyranny and injustice and uphold the sacred cause of equality, justice, conscience, and national freedom.

We can only imagine the thousands who must have gathered for the occasion at the invitation of the Great Guru for the exciting Holla Mohalla at Anandpur Sahib in the foothills of Shivalik Mountains to participate in these contests that tested their mastery and courage in the use of weapons.

We can imagine the Great Guru must have himself leading and inspiring the gathered warriors to further sharpen their skills as they competed with the best swordsmen, archers, marksmen, riders, foot-soldiers, and others who attended such gatherings.

The Holla Mohalla tradition must have been like reviving and reliving the spirit of ancient and medieval such contests of other times and places: to discover the best among the greatest and train others to be best for not just the meet the critical challenges of Guru's times but to imprint a lasting spirit and commitment to step forward and be counted at other times, events, and struggles yet to unfold. The great tradition of Holla Mohalla continues to this day at Anandpur Sahib.

We can only imagine the thousands from the farthest corners of India of every caste, culture, faith, and tradition with varying skills who must have thronged at Sri Anandpur Sahib for the occasion each year. We can also imagine the fun, festivities, and colorful celebrations that must have taken place surrounding such gatherings.

We cannot fathom the unbounded joy and honor of the awards and rewards, approvals and accolades, and being "knighted" at the sacred court and by the hands of Nasro Munsoor, the Tenth Sikh Spiritual King, Guru Gobind Singh.

Holla Mohalla and the legends, forts, settlement of Anandpur Sahib, nestled in the Shivalik Hills must have been an awe-inspiring sight. The sound and spectacle of the Anandpur Sahib, the War Games, and being in the majestic court and presence of Guru Gobind Singh must have been a transforming experience. We can only imagine the pride and unbound joy of returning from such glorious events to their home communities.

If we close our eyes, may be we can imagine the mock battle scenes and hear the resounding "jakaras" that must have rended the sky as the strong and courageous warriors showed their prowess in the use of different weapons and Sikh horsemen in full battle regalia rushing across the mock "battle fields" at the speed of lightening shook the ground?

Who could have imagined how often the courage, spirit, commandments, and faith of Sikhs will be tested in the centuries to follow? As we look around the lessons of Gurus are with us always and guide us though unexpected challenges. Now the entire world is our stage to prove the Great Guru's legacy and our proud heritage. Today our Holla Mohalla has expanded to include our many talents, imagination, and determination to be the best in many new fields of endeavor and succeed in a fierce competition among the world's best. We are proving that we can excel among the best.

I feel blessed at the very thought of this flight of my imagination.

Kanwal Prakash "KP" Singh
Indianapolis, Indiana USA