PARA-SF. The Maroon Beret. The soldiers who are trained up to the level, one cannot even imagine. It literally gives us Goosebumps when we see them in the Parade. Such is the Aura them that, whenever they are seen in Uniform, A salute comes out without a second thought. These are the forces behind the 2016 Surgical Strike and Operation Ginger

The training of this PARA SF is said to be one of the toughest training in the world. It is said that about 2% of them are only able to clear the training and complete the toughest task just to earn A Maroon Beret. A soldier takes pride in himself wearing it.

The Para Beret is Maroon in color as it’s said that the Green Army Beret is turned Red by blood and then it’s earned and so is the story of ‘Balidaan’.  The badge of sacrifice, meaning the person who wears it owes his blood to the nation.

We won’t be discussing the training here but we will discuss a ritual or one can even say the tradition which is followed by them. This is called the Glass Eating Ritual.

Within the realm of military operations, few units possess the level of dedication, discipline, and mental fortitude exhibited by the PARA Special Forces. Renowned for their rigorous training and unwavering commitment to excellence, these elite soldiers engage in various rituals that push the boundaries of human capability. One such ritual that stands out is the glass-eating ceremony, a practice that symbolizes strength, resilience, and unyielding determination. In this article, we will explore the elaborate glass-eating ritual of PARA Special Forces and shed light on the reasons behind its existence.

Historical Significance: The origins of the glass-eating ritual can be traced back to the early days of the PARA Special Forces. Rooted in ancient warrior traditions, the practice has evolved over time to become a symbol of the unit's commitment to conquering fear and enduring extreme conditions. By ingesting fragments of glass, soldiers challenge their physical and psychological limits, fostering a sense of invincibility and mental resilience.

Preparation and Training: Before engaging in the glass-eating ritual, PARA Special Forces soldiers undergo extensive physical and mental preparation. This includes rigorous physical conditioning, mental resilience training, and specialized dietary adjustments to strengthen the digestive system. Additionally, soldiers are taught techniques to mitigate the potential harm caused by the glass, such as swallowing small shards without injury.

The Ritual Itself: The glass-eating ritual is a carefully orchestrated event, often performed on special occasions or during significant milestones in a soldier's career. It begins with the soldiers gathering around a designated area, where glass objects of various sizes and shapes are displayed. These objects may include bottles, light bulbs, or even glass plates. Each soldier selects a piece of glass, inspects it for safety, and mentally prepares for what lies ahead.

The soldiers then consume the glass in a controlled and disciplined manner. This involves chewing the glass fragments into smaller pieces and swallowing them with precision. While the process may seem extreme, soldiers undergo intense mental training to suppress natural reflexes and overcome any discomfort or potential harm. It is crucial to note that the soldiers are well aware of the risks involved, and utmost care is taken to minimize any potential injuries.

When a JAWAN completes its 90 Day training after which they have groomed mentally and physically to break any barrier, they are made to push the boundaries of human behavior and they are made to learn to take all the pain till their threshold can be reached. He earns the Maroon Beret.

After which he is given a “Patiyala Peg” (For those who don't know, it is a drink of size measured from Index to pinky finger in front of glass) of Rum (or sometimes other as well) and is told to finish it. For a normal person, it would finish when even the last drop is sent through the throat. But these are not normal people.

Here, the drink is only considered finished when he bites the rim of the glass, takes a piece of it, and gulps it down his throat. This shows that they have surpassed normal Human Behaviour and are now Special. Glass eating tradition is a ritual of the Para Commandos that fosters their sense of absolute fearlessness and superiority.

For those who are thinking of Medical conditions, I would say, they don’t directly swallow it. Glass is normally silica (Sand) so they bite the rim, chew it until it becomes the powder, and then swallow it.

Many of them claim the ritual is not true and term it insanity. The SF-Jawan has also written a blog describing this incident. Along with this Discovery Channel has made the Video out of it which you can see here.

Symbolism and Purpose: The glass-eating ritual holds deep symbolism within the PARA Special Forces community. It represents the soldiers' ability to face danger head-on, conquer their fears, and adapt to challenging situations. The act of ingesting glass exemplifies the willingness to endure hardship, pain, and sacrifice for the greater good. It serves as a reminder that limits are often self-imposed and can be shattered through sheer willpower and determination.

Furthermore, the ritual fosters camaraderie and a sense of unity among soldiers. By participating in this challenging practice together, soldiers forge unbreakable bonds, relying on each other for support and encouragement. The shared experience creates a powerful sense of brotherhood and reinforces the team's cohesion.

Conclusion: The glass-eating ritual of PARA Special Forces is a testament to the extraordinary discipline, mental fortitude, and unwavering commitment exhibited by these elite soldiers. It serves as a powerful symbol of their ability to overcome fear, endure hardship, and push the boundaries of human capability. While the ritual may appear extreme to outsiders, it is a voluntary practice deeply rooted in tradition and meant to reinforce the unit's values and ethos. Ultimately, the glass-eating ritual stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the PARA Special Forces and their dedication to being among the most elite warriors in the world.