Question: – I was wondering what is the meaning of the Chand that Nihangs wear on their dhumleh? Ive seen many wear them, there are many stories that I have heard, but
I dont know which one is true, could you please englighten me with knowledge or any factual proof of this chand that is worn by Sikhs/Nihangs.

Answer : – More research is needed to know why Nihangs wear this symbol.

(1) The logo or symbol of ‘Aad Chand’ is basically ‘Ardh Chandra’ (Half Moon). The Sanskrit word ‘Ardh’ (Half) is written ‘Addh’ in Punjabi. The term ‘Addh’ is transformed into ‘Aad’. The Sanskrit word ‘Chandra’ (Moon) becomes ‘Chand’ in Punjabi. Thus, ‘Aad Chand’ is nothing but ‘Ardh Chandra’.

For thousands of years, the symbol of ‘Ardh Chandra’ existed in Hindu religion. For example, please the image below: –

A picture of Natraj’s statue, which is hundreds years old, even before the birth of Sikhism.

Please compare this image to Nihangs’ ‘Aad Chand’ and draw your own conclusion.

The ‘Ardh Chandra’ is associated with Indian god ‘Shiva’ (Shankra). It is very common to see ‘Ardh Chandra’ on forehead of Shiv in pictures and statues etc. Natraj is considered an incarnation of Shiv-Shankra.

(2) According to the other opinion, the ‘Aad Chand’ is a modified form of Islamic ‘Chand Sitara’. It is believed that to distinct Punjabi Sikhs (Tat Khalsa) from Sikh army of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, the Mogul government gave the symbol of ‘Chand Sitara’, ‘Nagara’ and a flag to ‘Tat Khalsa’ to fight against Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. Ratan Singh Bhangu mentions ‘Nagara’ and a flag given by Moguls to ‘Tat Khalsa’.

If you had the chance to meet elderly persons, with a ‘Chand Sitara’ made on his forehead, survived during 1947 riots, you can understand what it really means. The ‘Tat Khalsa’ fighting against Baba Banda Singh Bahadur was not too much different from such people survived in 1947.

The second opinion is not popular and it is hard to believe this view.

I am not aware if old Sikh texts mention ‘Aad Chand’ as a part of dress etc.

I hope it helps you to draw your own conclusion.