Flags and Bungas
Flags and Bungas: Eternal Symbols of Sikh Heritage Guard Posts, Flags, and Bungas – Timeless symbols of the pride of the Sikh Panth surrounding the Sri Harmandir Sahib . The word Bunga (or Bungah) comes from Persian, meaning “a place” or “a dwelling.” From this root, names like Akal Bunga and Shaheed Bunga were formed. According to Lughat Kishori, the word also refers to a location where money, goods, or provisions are kept. Traditionally, it also meant a shelter for people, horses, or pilgrims, along with storage for their belongings. The Bungas around Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar are world-famous and hold immense significance in Sikh history. This article explores the story of these remarkable structures. The History of Bungas The earliest Urdu book Tawarikh Darbar Sahib yani Harmandir Sahib Waqia Amritsar wa Shahr records the number of Bungas as 86. However, in the 1930–31 report published by the Darbar Sahib Committee, 71 are listed, with a n...