Nihangs, the last Sikh monks warriors

Last guardians of the warrior Sikh
traditions, thousands of Nihang monks
roam across Punjab: a life of
wandering dedicated to prayer, the
practice of Martial Arts, and to the
protection of the Sikhs, their front
forward mission.
To that end, they are excellent Gatka
masters, a Martial Art practiced since
the 17th century with sabers, daggers,
maces and edge bracelets. Each year
in March, the Hola Mohalla military
parade in Anandpur Sahib is the
opportunity for them to demonstrate
their mastery of the Martial Arts; thus
proving to the 3 millions of followers
gathered from all over India their power
and heroism.
The Nihangs, last warring monks of the Sikh faith.
Photos ©Virginie Vican/Picturetank/Lightmediation Text ®Guillaume Pitron
Contact - Thierry Tinacci Lightmediation Photo Agency +33 (0)6 61 80 57 21 [email protected]
1400-03: A Nihang warrior uses a Chakhar, a central ring to which ropes are tied. Cannonballs are fixed at the end of each rope. Duringwars, they would be replaced by weapons. Controling the use of such weapon is a
true display of skills and strenghts.
1400-01: Nihang warriors get involved in a Gatka fight, using spears, swords and shields.
1400-02: Nihang warrior gets involved in a Gatka fight, using sword.
1400-03: A Nihang warrior uses a Chakhar, a central ring to which ropes are tied. Cannonballs are fixed
at the end of each rope. Duringwars, they would be replaced by weapons. Controling the use of such
1400-04: Nihang warrior gets involved in a Gatka fight.
1400-20: Nihangs are very good horsemen. Here, Methab Singh trains his horse.
1400-05: Nihang warriors get involved in a Gatka fight, using spears.
1400-06: A Nihang warrior uses a Chakhar, a central ring to which ropes are tied. Cannonballs are fixed at
the end of each rope. Duringwars, they would be replaced by weapons. Controling the use of such
1400-07: Nihang warrior gets involved in a Gatka fight.
1400-08: A Nihang warrior uses a Chakhar, a central ring to which ropes are tied. Cannonballs are fixed at
the end of each rope. Duringwars, they would be replaced by weapons. Controling the use of such
1400-50: A Nihang holds a double blade sword. Behind him, the main temple of Anandpur Sahib.
1400-09: Nihang warrior during a Gatka fight. Nihang wears gun, but use spears, swords and shields to
fight.
1400-10: Gathered under their tent, Yoga Singh and his friends are checking their weapon.
1400-11: Young Nihang warrior
1400-12: General view of the main temple of Anandpur Sahib. The Sikhs regularly go to the baths to pray.
1400-11: Young Nihang warrior
1400-48: During Hola Mohalla festival, 3 million people gather in Anandpur Sahib. Horse competitions are
also organised.
1400-13: Major Singh's turban is made of a dozen of multicoloured bands. It lengths 425 metres and
weighs 35 kilos. Its pose starts at about 6:30 am in the morning and ends 2 h 30 later
1400-14: Major Singh's turban is made of a dozen of multicoloured bands. It lengths 425 metres and
weighs 35 kilos. Its pose starts at about 6:30 am in the morning and ends 2 h 30 later
1400-15: Major Singh's turban is made of a dozen of multicoloured bands. It lengths 425 metres and
weighs 35 kilos. Its pose starts at about 6:30 am in the morning and ends 2 h 30 later.
1400-16: Portrait of a Nihang.
1400-12: General view of the main temple of Anandpur Sahib. The Sikhs regularly go to the baths to pray.
1400-17: Nihangs are preparing food in the early morning.
1400-18: Nihangs are preparing food in the early morning.
1400-19: 1401-1: Nomadic way of life in the early morning.
1400-20: Nihangs are very good horsemen. Here, Methab Singh trains his horse.
1400-33: Nihangs cooking, and reading.
1400-21: Itinerance, in buses or on horses, with the Sutlej river in the background.
1400-22: Nihangs are living in Jathas (communities). Part of their work consists of cultivating wheat
infields and crushing the grains for their horses.
1400-23: Nihangs are living in Jathas (communities). Part of their work consists of cultivating wheat
infields and crushing the grains for animals.
1400-24: Itinerance. After the Hola Mohalla military parade, Nihangs get ready to ride their horses.
1400-49: During Hola Mohalla festival, 3 million people gather in Anandpur Sahib. Horse competitions are also organised.
1400-25: Load and unloading a truck filled with straw, for cows.
1400-26: Break while hunting.
1400-27: Sacrifice of a goat, for a meal.
1400-28: Baba Ji (important Nihang) gives a handle of candies to a child.
1400-39: A Nihang walks in the streets of Anandpur Sahib, followed by a crowd of respectful Sikhs.
1400-29: Nihang, wearing a sword.
1400-30: Portrait of a Nihang.
1400-31: Way of life of a Nihang community.
1400-32: Way of life of a Nihang community
1400-45: Meditation in front of the Holy Book, the Guru Grant Sahib.
1400-33: Nihangs cooking, and reading.
1400-34: Way of life of a Nihang community.
1400-35: One Nihang warms up before getting ready to leave. A truck is being loaded in the background.
1400-36: Several women bring some help to the Nihang community. They prepare chapatis by mixing flour
and water.
1400-43: A Sikh prostrates himself in front of Baba Santa Singh, the Jathedar (head) of the Baba Buddha Dal, the most powerful Jatha of the Nihang's community.
1400-37: An old Baba Ji transmits his knowledge to a young Nihang.
1400-38: Nihangs resting.
1400-39: A Nihang walks in the streets of Anandpur Sahib, followed by a crowd of respectful Sikhs.
1400-40: View of the main temple of Anandpur Sahib from the bath.
1400-51: During Hola Mohalla festival, 3 million people gather in Anandpur Sahib. Horse competitions are also organised.
1400-41: Young Nihang praying.
1400-42: Nihangs are gathered, praying under the tents
1400-43: A Sikh prostrates himself in front of Baba Santa Singh, the Jathedar (head) of the Baba Buddha
Dal, the most powerful Jatha of the Nihang's community.
1400-44: Nihangs are gathered, praying under the tents
1400-45: Meditation in front of the Holy Book, the Guru Grant Sahib.
1400-46: A Baba Ji prays in front of the Holy Book.
1400-47: During Hola Mohalla festival, 3 million people gather in Anandpur Sahib. Horse competitions are
also organised.
1400-48: During Hola Mohalla festival, 3 million people gather in Anandpur Sahib. Horse competitions are
also organised.
1400-52: Three million people gather in Anandpur Sahib during the Hola Mohalla festival, Elephants parade during the festival.
1400-49: During Hola Mohalla festival, 3 million people gather in Anandpur Sahib. Horse competitions are
also organised.
1400-50: A Nihang holds a double blade sword. Behind him, the main temple of Anandpur Sahib.
1400-53: Three million people gather in Anandpur Sahib during the Hola Mohalla festival, Elephants
parade during the festival.
1400-54: During Hola Mohalla festival, 3 million people gather in Anandpur Sahib. Horse competitions are
also organised.