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Summary of Question:	Nihangs--r they different?
Category:	Sikh Practices
Date Posted:	Tuesday, 5/02/2000 4:52 AM MDT

According to www.sarbloh.com, Nihang Singh's have a separate rehit meryada that allows them to smoke marijuana and have a ritual goat killing. According to history, the Nihang Singhs were the first troops sent out by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Would Guru Gobind Singh Ji send these troops out if they did not follow the same rehit meryada that was set out for all sikhs? I believe there should be no difference between a Nihang Singh and any other Sikh. Are Nihangs different from the rest of us?

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Reply:

The Maryada for the Nihang Singhs is the same rehit Maryada that Guru Gobind SIngh gave to the Khalsa. they also do have their own guidelines taht makes them Nihang Singhs.

There is one group that does do a goat killing ritual. They do not all do this. Also, the use of Bhang as a drink is a common practice, but again they do not all do this.The Bhang is to help them in battle, just as the "damala" turban is padded at the top of the head with a full folded turban to protect their head from the strike of a sword, as well as to cover the tenth gate which will allow them to embrace death easily.

I think that the most prominent qualities of the Nihang Singhs, are their commitment to a martial lifestyle; living a very simple life as the army of Guru Gobind Singh. They are organized into "Dahls", or groups, with their designated chief or leader. Baba Nihal Singh is one such chief. Many of them never marry, live with their horse their sword and the clothes on their back as their only possession.