Bhang, an intoxicating beverage prepared from the leaves of cannabis plant, has a history of use across the Indian subcontinent. In Punjab, the Nihangs (military order from the time of Guru Gobind Singh) use it freely. They call it Sukha, the peace-giver. Nihangs have been using Sukha since 17th century, when they had to fight against the Afghan invaders to protect the Indian sub-continent.
Philosophically, Sikhs are discouraged from use of intoxicants. Unfortunately the use of liquor has become wide spread across Punjab of today but smoking (tobacco, ganja, charas, etc) continues to be a taboo.
A hymn from Adi Granth, the spiritual scripture of the Sikhs, encourages to refrain from use of intoxicants.
Mortals, who refrain from intoxicants, obtain truthfulness in His Court.
Adi Granth, page 15
Drugs like Morphine and Opium are known for their pain relieving properties and are commonly used in modern warfare. One can therefore see a rationalization in the use of Sukha by Nihangs, as a pain reliever, giving them the vigor to remain steadfast on the battleground. However, with its active use in these days of peace, one is left wondering about the duality between philosophical ideals and the reality on the grounds. During Hola Mohalla festival at Anandpur Sahib in Punjab, Nihangs make Sukha available to anyone.
At the festival I photographed the BHANG GRINDERS, Nihangs in the act of Grinding the Cannabis.
Click first photo below and scroll to view series in slide show.
Comments(4)
Harpreet says:
March 25, 2014 at 9:05 PMI am still not sure of this as in times of guru Mahraj the “thapra” would do wonders than sukha.
Sunil Odak says:
March 26, 2014 at 2:16 PMAmardeep,
I wish I have a running order of the prints…there are no photographs you showcase which I would not want to display at my home.
I will visit Singapore one day for that very explicit purpose to rob you of some of the beautiful photos.(I WILL rob you but gladly pay to a charity of your choice 🙂 )
Sunil
Surupa Chatterjee says:
March 26, 2014 at 6:04 PMSo vibrant visuals …you do it each time and they are teh most peaceful looking Bhang grinders…makes the process look “Spiritual”
Arjit Mahal says:
March 28, 2014 at 1:24 AMAmaredeepji: These are amazing pictures. In 18th Century when the Sikhs were hunted down by the likes of Ahmed Shah Abdali, they lived in jungles and constantly were on the move. Bhang/Sukha was part of their their pharmacy…for relief from pain and injuries etc. So, I don’t of what they did and do now.