All about Nishan Sahib, the saffron flag hoisted by protesting farmers at Red Fort
Nishan Sahib #NishanSahib
New Delhi: Farmers protesting against the three agriculture laws marched to the Red Fort Tuesday, where they climbed on to poles and waved flags from its ramparts. The farmers could also be seen hoisting the Nishan Sahib, a religious saffron flag, at the historical monument.
#WATCH A protestor hoists a flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi#FarmLaws #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/Mn6oeGLrxJ
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021
As part of their tractor rally planned on Republic Day, farmers entered Delhi from Singhu and Ghazipur borders amid high security. But the protesters soon deviated from the designated route and the protest turned violent, with the police lobbing tear gas shells and resorting to lathi charge.
A section of the farmers gathered outside the Delhi Police headquarters at ITO, while many others reached the Red Fort.
#WATCH Protestors enter Red Fort in Delhi, wave flags from the ramparts of the fort pic.twitter.com/4dgvG1iHZo
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021
Also read: Modi continues turban tradition this Republic Day with ‘halari pagdi’ gifted by Jamnagar royals
What is Nishan Sahib?
The Nishan Sahib that was hoisted on the Red Fort is a triangular saffron cloth with a blue Sikh insignia, called Khanda, in the middle. The insignia consists of a double-edged sword and a chakram (or chakra).
The Nishan Sahib is usually hoisted outside a gurdwara. The triangular flag is mounted on a steel pole, which is also covered with a saffron-coloured cloth.
It holds great significance for the Sikh community. They believe the Khanda to be a powerful tool that can differentiate truth from falsehood. It has also been said that Guru Gobind Singh used the Khanda to prepare amrit (holy nectar) by stirring it in sweetened water.
The phrase “Waheguru ji ki fateh (victory of God)” is said to have been inscribed on the Nishan Sahib of Guru Gobind Singh, while “Akal sahai (may the Almighty bless you)” was inscribed on Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Nishan Sahib.
It is believed that a Nishan Sahib bearer named Bhai Alam Singh was once captured by the Mughal enemy forces during a battle. He was asked to throw the Nishan Sahib, else his hands would be chopped off.
Singh replied that he would hold the flag with his feet if his hands were severed. When warned that his feet would be chopped too, he said he would hold it with his mouth. And when told that his head would be cut off as well, he replied: “The Guru whose flag he was carrying will take care of it.”
Also read: Long before farmers’ tractor parade, Babri Masjid movement also waded into Republic Day row