Wind
Ranasringa / Narsingha
ਨਰਸਿੰਘਾ
Khalsa military tradition
History
The ranasringa or narsingha is the ceremonial war horn of the Khalsa, sounded historically in battle and at Nihang gatherings to mark prayer, arrival, and assembly. Its piercing call is not a melody but a sovereign declaration.
A long S-curved brass war horn historically sounded in Khalsa armies and at Nihang gatherings. Its piercing call is ceremonial rather than melodic, marking arrivals, battle and prayer.
Tuning & playing guide
There is no tuning in the melodic sense — pitch is controlled entirely by lip embouchure on the brass mouthpiece. Most players sound two or three clear partials with a strong, sustained breath. Keep the bore dry and free of corrosion to keep the call bright.
Hear how it sounds
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Rinse out the inside of the brass tube with warm water occasionally to clear saliva residue, then dry it completely to prevent corrosion. Polish the outside with a soft cloth and a mild brass polish a few times a year — avoid abrasives that scratch the engraved sections. Store in a cloth sleeve and never drop it; the curved sections dent easily and ruin the tone.