chatkain
sanatanhindusikh
shastarvidiya

Traditionally, within the Sanatan Hindu Sikh world, in order to psychologically and physically prepare for 'Chatka', it was necessary amongst the Khalsa (like with all other Indian 'Kyshatriya'races Gurkhas, Rajputs etc.) to carry out 'Chandi Pooja'.

This was done by the ceremony of 'Tilak'. The 'Shastar' were worshipped, and seen as a representation of the mother 'Bhagauti', who in turn represented 'Shakti' to destroy evil.

It has to be noted a mature goat's neck is almost identical to a human neck with regard to the force required to severe it. Hence, decapitating goats is a excellent way to prepare for 'Chatka'.

In 1606, Akali Guru Hargobind Sahib established the 'Chatka' tradition at the 'Akal Bunga'. The present 'Jathedar' of all Akali Nihang Sikhs, Singh Sahib Akali Nihang Baba Santa Singh, commented:

'This Chatka use to happen at Akal Takht, and only recently they [Shromani Gurdwara Parbandak Committee (S.G.P.C.)] stopped it. No, this is a warrior way of ours. If we are to wield a sword on the battlefield, how are we to judge with what power to wield it so we can decapitate our enemy or split opponent in half? To test that [fighting art], 'Shikar' and 'Chatka' are beloved warrior traditions. Only if we have that experience [of Chatka killing] can we learn Shastar Vidiya. Only then we will learn to wield a sword. That is why the great King [Akali Nihang Guru Gobind Singh] has written “Be initiated into the Khalsa go hunting and preserve Shastar Vidiya any way you can” [from Pracheen Panth Prakash]. If you wish to learn Shastar Vidiya then you must Chatka goats. This is our training method. Singhs have done Chatka from the very start, as it is our tradition. The Gurus told us this is the Kyshatriya way.'
(Singh Sahib Akali Nihang Baba Santa Singh, transcript of interview, 28th October 1999)