Nishan Sahib

Nishan Sahib
Nishan Sahib
(Current Basanti reinforced by Akal Takht Authority towards 2024)
UseOther
Proportion1:1 or 1:2
Adopted12 October 1936 (1936-10-12)
DesignA triangular flag, either basanti (xanthic) or surmai (navy blue), featuring the Khanda at its centre.
Designed byGuru Hargobind (yellowish-orange)
Guru Gobind Singh (navy blue)

The Nishan Sahib (Punjabi: ਨਿਸ਼ਾਨ ਸਾਹਿਬ, lit.'respected ensign'), also known as the Sikh flag, is used to represent the Sikh people worldwide. In 1936, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee ratified the Sikh Rehet Maryada, which states its colour as either basanti (xanthic) or surmai (navy blue). It is a triangular flag with a Khanda in its centre, made of cotton or silk cloth, and has a tassel at its end.

The most common form of the Nishan Sahib, used in gurdwaras around the world, features a saffron (orange) colour. The Akal Takht decided on 15 July 2024, in accordance with the Sikh Rehat Maryada, that only basanti or surmai colours are acceptable, while kesri (saffron) is not.