COMMENT
Nishan Sahib - The Sikh Flag
Gurcharan Singh (Canada)
Contrary to the widely held view that the Sikh flag is a display of militarism, or that it was introduced in the Sikh tradition by Nanak VI - Guru Hargobind Sahib[1] (1595-1644), the Sikh standard was an integral part of the Sikh court[2] during the time of Nanak III - Guru Amar Das[3] (1479-1594). In fact, there is evidence to suggest that the Sikh flag was displayed during and by Guru Nanak[4] (1469-1539) - the founder of Sikhism. It was certainly in vogue during the times of Nanak IV - Guru Ram Das (1534-1581) and Nanak V - Guru Arjun[5] (1563-1606). During those early days the Sikh flag was white, with ik-onkar written on it.
After the martyrdom of Nanak V, the flag that fluttered atop Sikh institutions was kesri (saffron)[6] in colour with two kirpans (of piri[7] and miri[8]). This particular flag was hoisted by Nanak VI - Guru Hargobind Sahib at Akal Bunga (now called Sri Akal Takht Sahib) in 1609. Since then, the kesri nishan has become an integral part of the Sikh establishment. Guru Tegh Bahadur, Nanak IX (1621-1675) used to confer “the book and flag” on appointments of Sikh missionaries. Guru Gobind Singh, Nanak X (1666-1708) raised the status and piety of the flag by going round the flag as a part of Sikh worship. Even today Sikhs first pay homage to Guru Granth Sahib by making an offering, bowing and going round and then performing the same at nishan sahib.
The twin flags in the courtyard of the Akal Takht - Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) have an interesting history. The Akal Takht flag was first installed by Nanak VI, but the flag of Darbar Sahib was raised by S. Jhanda Singh - the head of the Bhangi Misl. In 1881 both these posts fell due to a strong storm. Maharaja Sher Singh (son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh) then raised a tall and strong mast. S. Desa Singh of Majitha had a second staff installed. Hence the two flags.
When the causeway and courtyards were redesigned, both these flags were relocated. The flags that flutter there today stand on a high platform. These flags are similar in all respects except that one representing miri is lower than the one representing piri. This signifies that miri and piri are conjunct but piri is supreme - worldly might is subjugate to spirituality. The two flags independently stand side by side. However, they are “tied” together with a khanda in the centre. Khanda is the Sikh coat-of-arms. The components of the khanda are a circle (a quoint) representing the catholicity of humanity, the double - edged sword in the middle (khanda-do dhari) - depicting the supremacy and might of God and the two encuping kirpans (Nanak VI was donned with two kirpans - one displaying piri and the other miri.
Sometimes the flat is displayed by pinning a khanda on the kesri dastar. This form of flag display was common in the Nishanwala Misl. At one time the flag used to have Nishan Sahib on one side and Ek-Onkar on the other side. These were only navy blue on a saffron background. It is necessary for a nishan sahib to be hoisted at every gurdwara. The flag itself is of an equilateral triangular form (in the 9 to 5 ratio), of either saffron of blue colour. On its both sides are stitched (in saffron or blue to contrast with the background) a khanda. The pole to which is attached the flag must have atop it a spear or a khanda-do dhari.
The flag should never be allowed to be in a tattered or discoloured state. The changing of the flag material should coincide with Vaisakhi. At that time other regular maintenance work on the pole may also be performed.
The flag is displayed in front of each gurdwara and sometimes atop of a gurdwara as well. It is also displayed in the gurdwara - generally next to the Guru Granth Sahib. It is usually carried (five people carrying the flag each) in front of religious processions. A flag should be as tall as possible. Sikh flag is neither lowered nor flown at half mast.
The flag plays a major part in the affairs of the community. In a political sense it encourages unity and in a spiritual sense it leads the path of salvation. The fluttering of the flag - which can be seen from a great distance - emits a message of hospitality, safety and shelter. It extends sanctuary to all who choose to avail it. It is a hope for the wayward and an assurance to the pious. It is the support and strength for the righteous. The welcome offered in a gurdwara is proverbial. The standard assures justice, compassion and peace even as it declares the sovereignty of Sikh Khalsa under One God of the Universe.