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Week ninety-two: JHATKA (probability 21232), by David Sutton

This week we continue the theme of words associated with Sikhism. JHATKA is the slaughter of animals for food in accordance with Sikh law. AMRIT is a sacred sweetened water used in the Sikh baptismal ceremony; the word is presumably related to AMRITA or AMREETA, a drink which bestows immortality in Hindu mythology. A GURDWARA is a Sikh place of worship which includes a place where the scripture is housed. A DARBAR is a hall in a Sikh temple (having the same Persian origin as a DURBAR, a ceremonial reception at an Indian court).

A KHANDA is a double-edged Sikh sword. A CHAKRA is a disc-shaped knife used as a missile; it can also mean a discus representing the sun, in portrayals of Hindu gods, or in yoga one of the seven centres of spiritual power in the body.

A PATKA is a headscarf worn by Sikh men in place of a turban. A MAZHBI is a Sikh of low caste. A SANGEET is a kind of pre-wedding party in a Sikh marriage. A SANGHAT is a fellowship or assembly, esp a local Sikh community or congregation. And a SANT is a Sikh saint.

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