Nishaan Sahib

Nishan Sahib

Nishan is the Sikh word for flag. The nishan is raised and flown at every Sikh Gurdwara in a prominent spot at the highest point of the property when possible. The flag is made from two colours. Colours used range from yellow to deep orange and royal to grayish blue. Most popular is the Sikh coat of arms in deep blue set onto a bright orange background. The colour scheme is sometimes seen reversed. The flag pole is often covered by a cloth of the same colour as the flag background. The emblem symbolizes a khanda. Atop the flag pole is either the representation of a double-edged sword or a spear head.

Symbolism of the flag

Two seven-feet high flags from the temple are taken down and washed in milk. This symbolises the value and importance the flags and the temple have within the community. The flags reflect the temple’s aim to provide food, shelter and spiritual energy. The with the brain and mental faculties, giving rise to focus and clarity of thought, it is helpful to learning and the gathering of knowledge. In general terms, knowing your direction and what you are doing in life.

Blue is a beautiful colour, seen in the healing water of Sarovars (pools) of Sikh Gurdwaras. It nurtures faith and trust. Blue is the colour of peace. It supports the development of verbal communication skills. Royal Blue is the colour of sensitivity. The deep blue of the night sky during Amrit Vela enhances intuition, resulting in deeper thoughts and insights. It is the colour of honesty and of being reliable. Presence and authority are other qualities inspired by this colour.

Orange appears in the form of our Nishan Sahibs, the cholas worn by Panj Pyare and Sikh turbans. This is the colour of deep joy and bliss. It absorbs shocks, nasty experiences, and trauma. It is about letting go of what holds us back or what is not helpful. Orange is the colour of connection, a sense of community, belonging and social aspects of being.

flags are then wrapped in new cloth before being re-hoisted.

Colour analysis

As subtle beings we are affected by many things, one of these is colour. The colours of the clothes we wear, the food we eat, and those we see in our environment all have an affect on our emotions and well-being. Below are some meanings of the Khalsa colours from a colour therapy perspective, exploring the many ways in which they influence us as Sikhs in our personal and spiritual development.

The colour yellow has to do with our sense of self, our identity - who we are. It brings forth the emotions of happiness and joy. Yellow is most strongly associated