According to Mahaan Kosh (Encyclopedia of Sikh literature), a Tankha is a religious punishment given to a Sikh who has vilated the Rehit (Spiritual Discipline) given by the Guru. Since the Guruship/Guru Gaddi was passed to Guru Granth Sahib Ji, a Tankha is given by the Panj Piaare in the presence of the Guru. This is a place where a Sikh can come and admit their mistakes. After this the Panj Piaare collectively give a Tankha for a certain period. A Tankha may vary from reading extra Bani (Guru’s Words), to doing Seva (Selfless Service) daily in the Gurdwara. The point of a Tankha is to reconnect us with Guru Sahib and prevent a mistake from recurring. Bhai Nand Lal Ji wrote a Tankhanama which has written down religious punishments as described by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. To learn more about this topic check out our article on Tankhanama Bhai Nand Lal Ji.