Nishan Sahib
/nɪˈʃɑːn ˈsɑːhɪb/noun
The sacred flag displayed at a Sikh gurdwara, symbolizing the presence and protection of the Sikh community.
Did you know?The Nishan Sahib is traditionally saffron or deep orange and bears the Khanda, while its ceremonial raising and lowering are acts of collective devotion rather than mere civic display.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-Iranian
Proto-Indo-Iranian
*nišāna
“A mark, sign, or distinguishing token”
Middle Persian
Middle Persian
nišān
“A sign, mark, emblem, or standard”
Persian
Persian
نشان (nišān)
“A sign, badge, emblem, or banner”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
صاحب (ṣāḥib)
“Companion, associate, master, or person possessing something”
Medieval Persian and Indo-Persian
Persian
نشان صاحب (nišān sāḥib)
“The master’s sign or standard”
Modern Punjabi
Punjabi
ਨਿਸ਼ਾਨ ਸਾਹਿਬ (Niśān Sāhib)
“The sacred Sikh flag or standard displayed at a gurdwara”