First Nishan

Flying high above a Sikh religious place of worship is the Nishan Sahib banner (flagpole). A beacon of Sikh identity. 

The Nishan Sahib has evolved throughout Sikh history.

The immortal sword, folded steel of the wootz blade, represents a flowing river forged in the fire of conflict and hammered into shape by the struggles of life, tempered by self-determination and polished by self-refinement.
First Nishan – Urban Akali

The design illustrated and inspired by historical Arms and Armour from an authentic Tegha (sword) and Dhala (shield) by Ajeet Armory. The Katar is inspired by ‘Sir Christopher Ondaatje South Asian Gallery’ collection, an 18th century AD Punch-Dagger with elephant motif. (Envisioning Bhai Bachittar Singh Ji)

This embodies weapons to protect the innocent. It also represents the movement against injustice throughout Sikh history. 

The modern-day symbol of the Nishan Sahib is the Khanda, orange in colour, which to date every Gurudwara worldwide holds so that it can be recognised by all far and wide.