Ritual slaughter of animals (mostly goats) which employs technique of Jhatka is practiced by certain sects within Sikhism on certain religious events. This sacrifice is now only popular among Nihangs and Hazuri Sikhs who sacrifice goats on the festivals of Diwali and Hola Mohalla and distribute it as Mahaprashad among the congregants as part of Langar.
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Origin of sacrament
The introduction of this religious rite is traced by Hazuri Sikhs to Guru Hargobind. It is said that this sacrifice was also performed by Guru Gobind Singh on the founding day of the Khalsa on his own followers. It should be kept in mind certain sections of modern Sikhs do not approve of this sacrificial ritual.
Tilak sacrament at Hazur Sahib
The ritual begins with bathing the sacrificial goat with water. While the water is being poured on the goat, liturgical recitations from the Sikh scriptures of Japji Sahib and Chandi di Var are practiced. Thereafter, the goat is taken in the middle of the Gurudwara compound. One Nihang Singh holds the hind legs of the goat while the other slaughters it using Jhatka technique. After this the head of the goat is taken in a saucer and its blood is applied to the weapons of Guru Gobind Singh, which are placed in front of Guru Granth Sahib.
Debate within community
Some scholars say that this ritual is misunderstood and do not equate it with ritual slaughter found in some other religions.