Simrat Pal Kaur, said: There are lots of benefits of learning gatka. We get to learn self-defense aspect from it. The time is very bad and a girl can't go alone anywhere. By learning gatka we can go anywhere with full confidence because we know how to look after our safety. There is no other game where self-defense aspect is taught.

Sandeep Singh, one participant, said: "Other games like cricket and all are given much importance these days. A number of Sikh children are going away from the Sikhism and getting addicted to wrong practices. We want to take a large number of our children on the path of Sikhism through Gatka so that the upcoming generation will stay away from all kind of bad habits.

Several Sikh shrines, educational institutions and clubs now teach 'Gatka' so to keep alive the ancient art form.

Though Gatka contests are held occasionally, the spectacular art form has been performed extensively during Sikh festivals and other religious occasions.

In its physical form, Gatka is the original feudal art of saint soldiers 'Khalsa', for whom the way of life is the same as the art of war.

Gatka art exists amongst the Sikhs, who have passed down their techniques through generations since the sixth Sikh master Guru Hargobind Singh wore the two swords of 'Miri' and 'Piri'.

Now, the students take an initiative to observe it and keep the traditions flourish. By Karan Kapoor

Source-ANI
SPH