Flying High

Nishan Sahib

One prominent feature at virtually every event celebrating Vasakhi (not only Vasakhi, but at most Sikh events) is the Nishan Sahib. The Nishan Sahib can be seen from miles away due to its bright color and distinct features. We even have what I like to call mini-Nishan Sahibs hung on the mirrors of our colors, as it gives us a sense of belonging, pride and separate identity.

Cars, dhols, people are covered top to bottom in orange cloth. People dancing in the street, and not to mention the police trying to escort everyone away. But then I see Nishan Sahibs everywhere, not only in people’s hands but also on the floor, people standing in Pubs, a glassy in one hand and waving a Nishan Sahib in the other. Girls; and guys actually, with orange highlights in their hair, orange bandannas, wearing a Khanda hoody with a spliff behind their ears.

I began to think when Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji introduced the Nishan Sahib into Sikhi, is this what he intended us to do with it? When Guru Gobind Singh Ji would hand the Nishan Sahib to Bhai Man Singh, a trusted sikh, who would not drop the Nishan Sahib when going it to battle, what would he be thinking now about the respect of the Nishan Sahib? Was it really worth him handing it to a Sikh who he entrusted wouldn’t drop the Nishan Sahib if he knew we would happily drop it on floor many centuries later?

Every Vasakhi, most Gurdwaree around the world will change their Nishan Sahib. The Nishan Sahib pole is cleaned with milk, showing the amount of respect that Sikhs hold for the Nishan Sahib. Sangat will be often seen touching the feet of the Nishan Sahib bearers at Nagar Kirtans and bowing to a Nishan Sahib outside of Gurdwara, as it shows our allegiance to our faith, belief in justice, equality and liberty.

I think about why the color saffron is so dear to all of us. The color orange stands for honour and sacrifice. Sikhs used to take the Nishan Sahib into battle and wave it in times of victory as a salutation to Waheguru and his Army (the khalsa), now we wave it and leave it on the floor as we leave.

This Vasakhi I hope I can see the sons and daughters of the Guru waving the Nishan Sahib with Pride, but without a can of Stella, a cigarette and dancing on the streets of Broadway. Without a stream of cars covered in orange blasting the latest Miss Pooja track. All we ask, is that while celebrating which ever part of Vasakhi, lets not disrespect or confuse the two different aspects.

Respect where respect is due…..