Between the two World wars in the year 1938, a British Officer named ALBERT STEPHEN IGNATIUS GISPERT stationed at Kaula Lumpur, Malaysia founded the “Hash !”

The initial runs were from the Selangor Club (known for its hash cuisine and hence the name Hash House.) and through the vast rubber estates on the outskirts of K.L. town.  The Hash House hosted many of the post-run gatherings, some of whch were rather noisy. 

Hashing died during World War II (Japanese occupying forces being notoriously opposed to civilian fun), but came back to life in the post-war years, spreading slowly through Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, then exploding in popularity in the late 70s and early 80s. Today there are thousands of Hash House Harrier clubs in all parts of the world, with newsletters, directories, and regional and world hashing conventions.

In 1946, “Torch” Bennet re-establilshed the Kaula Lumpur Hash House Harriers (KLH3) and started counting the number of runs and hence emerged a host of Hash paraphernalia announcing the run number and sponsor of the day –T-shirts, head band, singlets, shorts, towels, etc. Hashing has spread worldwide such that there are now over 1500 chapters in approximately 160 countries, with their own websites, newsletters, directories, and regional and world hashing conventions.

The Hash Run. 

The meets are based on the “hare and hounds” or paper-chase, popular in England in the mid-1800’s.  a designated team of “hares’ set the run by marking a trail with shredded paper and chalk powder.  The pack follows the trail at a respectful distance and when spying a marker shouts of “On On immediately echo through the air. Hares are expected to mis-lead the pack by tricking them into following false trails, slow down the front runners by having checks and checkbacks and to encourage those with slower pace to emerge at the front of the pack.

Hashing is a very social activity  (recreational, cross-country running for fun and drinking for joy)  The primary goal is to have a few social beers at the finish of the exercise along with plenty of laughs.

The runs are followed by a circle (post-run celebrations) with ice to sit on for those who are ‘honoured’ or punished with  a mug of beer (or soft drinks) which  they have to drink or is worn  (poured on their heads) while a song is sung for them by the other hashers.

The meet is brought to an end by singing the hash hymn, “Swing low sweet chariot” sung in the hash stye and at the end with shouts of  “On On” the mob disperses.

At times there is a dinner thrown in, and on specials there is a party added on,  complete l with a dance floor, deejay, taped music, lights followed by dinner.  Of course not to forget the availability of  chilled beer from Kingfisher.    The cost varies, quite often its very reasonable and just divided amongst those present. And at times you have sponsors subsidizing the event. There are times  when you have the Bangalore Hash itself subsidizing the event.

We are not here to make money or support charities but to just have a good time !