NishanYatra

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   What the nishan is

   The nishan is the flag devotees offer to Shyam Baba — usually saffron or red, tied to a pole or bamboo staff. It is not merely a flag; it stands for the devotee’s own presence. Among Baba’s eighty-four names is "Nishan-priya" — the one worshipped through the Shyam nishan. When a devotee raises a nishan, what he is saying is: "Baba, I have come."
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   Why the nishan is offered

   There are two feelings behind the offering — a wish, and gratitude. Some devotees take a sankalp (vow) with a wish in mind and carry a nishan; others carry one in thanks after a wish has been granted. In the court of the "Hare ka Sahara" this is the most living of traditions — especially when the journey is completed on foot.
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   Colour and form

   Saffron is the most common, though red, pink and multicoloured nishans are also carried. Most bear "Shri Shyam" or an image of Baba, with a fringe along the edges. Sizes range from a small hand-held flag to enormous nishans several metres long, raised by many devotees together. There is no one prescribed form — the feeling is what matters.
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   Where to get one

   During the mela days, stalls selling nishans line the markets of Ringas and Khatu — this is the most common way. Many devotees bring a nishan from their own town, and some families stitch their own. All three are equally accepted.
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   The sankalp — beginning the journey

   Before raising the nishan, devotees take a sankalp — bathing, remembering Baba, and setting out with their wish or their gratitude held in mind. No elaborate ritual is required; a sincere heart is enough. The walk most often begins at Ringas.
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   How to raise and carry it

   The nishan is carried held high, with care taken not to rest it on the ground or drag it. On a long walk, change hands often, and take turns as a group with the larger nishans. Jaikaras of "Jai Shri Shyam" ring out along the whole road — that call is the life of the nishan yatra.
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   Offering it at the temple

   On reaching Khatu, the nishan is offered at the designated place in the temple complex. During the mela the arrangements and the location shift with the crowd — follow the directions of the Mandir Committee’s sevadars on site. They alone can tell you the correct arrangement for that day.
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   Things to keep in mind

   Offering a nishan is not compulsory — it is voluntary devotion, and darshan without one is just as complete. In a crowd, mind that your pole does not strike anyone. Do not hand a very large nishan to children or elders. And above all: it is not the height of the nishan that is weighed, but the depth of the feeling.

Nishan — frequently asked questions

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   What is the Khatu Shyam nishan?

   The nishan is a flag offered to Shyam Baba — usually saffron, tied to a pole or bamboo staff, often bearing "Shri Shyam" or an image of Baba. It stands for the devotee’s presence and his sankalp. One of Baba’s names is "Nishan-priya", the one worshipped through the nishan.
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   How is the nishan offered?

   Devotees bathe and take a sankalp, then carry the nishan — most often walking from Ringas to Khatu — and offer it at the designated place in the temple complex on arrival. During the mela the arrangements change with the crowd, so follow the directions of the sevadars on site.
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   Where can I buy a nishan?

   During the mela days, many stalls sell nishans in the Ringas and Khatu markets. Many devotees also bring one from their own town, and some families stitch their own — all three are equally accepted.
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   Is offering a nishan compulsory?

   No. Offering a nishan is entirely voluntary devotion. Darshan without one is held to be just as complete — in Baba’s court it is not the height of the nishan that is weighed, but the depth of the feeling.