Jhatka

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Jhatka (from Hindi jhatkā, Punjabi: ਝਟਕਾ literally, killed with a jerk, or hacked) meat (as opposed to Jewish kosher or Islamic halal / Dhibh, in which the animal is killed by slicing the throat as part of a ritual), is meat in which the animal has been killed quickly without suffering by an immediate, single strike of a sword or axe to sever the head. This kills the animal immediately because the spinal cord is severed. Some Hindus (Rajputs and Kshatriyas) prescribe jhatka meat, and some Sikhs believe they may eat jhatka meat but may not consume Islamic Halal (dhabiha) meat. This is the compulsory way of slaughter, if at all, during animal sacrifices to some Hindu deities.