Who are Nihang Sikhs ? (History and Tradition)

• NIHANGS are a very famous and prestigious order of sikh warriors.

CHARACTERISED BY :

• BLUE ROBES,
• ANTIQUATED ARMS SUCH AS SWORDS AND SPEARS , AND 
• DECORATED TURBONS SURMOUNTED BY STEEL QUOITS.

This order has been at the forefront of the sikh martial tradition for more than 300 years.

What does NIHANG mean ? 

• Immortal
• Unrestrained
• Sanskrit word NIHSHANK which means without fear
• Persian word for crocodile 

Their origins:

• The NIHANGS trace their origins to the founding of the Khalsa panth by the 10th Sikh Guru , Gobind Singhji , around 1699.
• Many claim the sect to be GURU DI LAADI FAUJ.

Military history :

• The NIHANGS differ essentially from all other sikh orders in a militaristic organization.
• Early sikh military history was dominated by the NIHANG , known for their victories where they were heavily outnumbered.
• Traditionally known for their bravery and ruthlessness in the battlefield , the NIHAND once formed the irregular guerrilla squads of the armed forces of the sikh Empire.

Who can become a NIHANG now?

• Irrespective of cast , creed or religion
• having unshorn hair 
• following sikh traditions 
• who remembers five bains 
• performs daily ablutions by waking up at 1 am 
• performs morning and evening prayers.

:> The baptized sikh willing to become a NIHANG and fulfilling conditions in given robes and weapons similar to the once carried by Guru Gobind Singh when he founded the khalsa.