Holla Mohalla, the annual Sikh military festival celebrating Sikh martial traditions, has been marked for the fifth consecutive year by the Defence Sikh Network and British Army at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in Surrey.
Sikh soldier performing martial arts as part of Holla Mohalla, the annual Sikh military festival celebrating Sikh martial traditions,
As part of the festival, soldiers took part in military events.
The Army's Role Fitness Test was included as a task for participants.
The Army's Role Fitness Test was included for participants.
Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Avtar Gill,4 Ranger Regiment, said:
“Holla Mohalla is a big deal for us. As the Defence Sikh Network, we’ve been celebrating it as a Sikh community since 2021. It gives us the chance to honour our rich martial and military heritage, and to reaffirm its place within the UK Armed Forces today.”
A day of competition and tradition
A range of activities and demonstrations took place throughout the day, drawing participants and spectators from across the armed forces community. Events included a Soldier Role Fitness Test competition, displays of traditional Sikh martial arts, and traditional Sikh military games, all culminating in the vibrant throwing of Rang, coloured powder, which has become one of the most recognisable and joyful symbols of the festival.
Hosting events like this helps improve our visibility and reminds people that Sikhs have continued to contribute to UK defence since 1947, right through to the present day.”
WO2 Gill added:
“Many people are aware of the service of Sikhs during the First and Second World Wars, when over two and a half million men served in the British Indian Army, with a significant proportion coming from the Sikh community.
“Today, as a smaller community, hosting events like this helps improve our visibility and reminds people that Sikhs have continued to contribute to UK defence since 1947, right through to the present day.”
The centuries-old festival is held in a spirit of fierce but good-natured competition, and aims to promote the values of courage, preparation, and readiness, values that sit at the very heart of military service. The atmosphere on the day reflected both the solemnity of that heritage and the energy and camaraderie of those taking part.
Today is about unity, and about demonstrating courage and discipline — values that are central to military service. Holla Mohalla highlights the importance of being both physically ready, and morally and spiritually prepared as well.
A legacy written in sacrifice
Sikhs have been serving in the British Army since the 1800s, forming distinguished regiments that have won numerous battle honours and multiple Victoria Crosses. The scale of their contribution during the two World Wars was extraordinary, over 84,000 Sikh soldiers lost their lives, and more than 100,000 were wounded. Their bravery and sacrifice helped shape the outcome of some of history's most consequential conflicts, and their legacy continues to inspire those who serve today.
Mandeep Kaur MBE, Armed Forces Sikh Chaplain, said:
“Today is about unity, and about demonstrating courage and discipline — values that are central to military service.
“Holla Mohalla highlights the importance of being both physically ready, and morally and spiritually prepared as well.”
Celebrating belonging and service
This event has grown to become the premier British Army celebration of the long and proud tradition of Sikh service. For the Defence Sikh Network, it is an opportunity not only to honour that history, but to strengthen the sense of belonging and identity for Sikh personnel currently serving across the armed forces.
The event continues to grow in ambition and attendance, demonstrating the British Army's commitment to recognising and celebrating the diversity of those who serve.