🪯
Khanda
KAHN-dah
Definitions
1
Religion · Symbol
Common
The primary symbol of Sikhism, consisting of a double-edged sword (khanda) in the center, a chakkar (circle), and two curved swords (kirpans) representing spiritual and temporal authority.
Used to represent Sikh identity, faith, and community in digital communications, especially during religious holidays or discussions about Sikhism.
Wishing everyone a blessed Guru Nanak Gurpurab! 🪯✨
Social media post during Sikh holiday
Proud to share my Sikh heritage with everyone today 🪯
Personal message
A deeply respected religious emblem that represents divine knowledge, creative power, and the concept of unity and immortality in Sikh tradition.
Evolution Timeline
2020
Added to Unicode 13.0 as part of expanding religious diversity in emoji representation.
Growing recognition of the need for inclusive religious symbolism in digital communication.
2021
Increased usage during farmers' protests in India, becoming a symbol of solidarity.
Global attention to protests where many participants were from Sikh communities.
Cultural Context
The Khanda symbolizes key Sikh principles including the belief in one God, divine knowledge, and the importance of both spiritual and temporal leadership.
For many Sikhs worldwide, the Khanda represents not just religious faith but cultural identity and community belonging in diaspora contexts.
The symbol gained prominence in the 20th century as a unifying emblem for Sikhs, appearing on the Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag) flown at gurdwaras worldwide.
The inclusion of the Khanda in Unicode represents growing digital recognition of religious diversity beyond the major world religions initially represented.
Regional Variations
Canada
Commonly used among Canada's significant Sikh population, especially in British Columbia and Ontario.
India
Widely used in Punjab and throughout India in both religious and secular contexts, often appearing in profile pictures and digital signatures.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Used primarily in religious contexts and family communications, especially during holidays and community events.
Gen_Z: Frequently used to express cultural pride and religious identity on TikTok and Instagram, often in educational content about Sikhism.
Older: Limited usage, primarily in family group chats when discussing religious events or gurdwara activities.
Millennials: Commonly used in interfaith discussions, cultural education, and community organizing on Twitter and Facebook.
Common Combinations
🪯✨
Celebrating Sikh spirituality or a religious occasion with reverence.
Often used during Sikh holidays like Baisakhi or Guru Nanak Gurpurab.
🪯🙏
Expressing respect for Sikh faith or prayers at a gurdwara.
Used in religious contexts or when acknowledging Sikh traditions.
🪯❤️
Love for Sikhism or pride in Sikh identity and heritage.
Used by Sikhs expressing faith pride or by allies showing support.