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The Five Ks of Sikhhism

Post by Pooranmashi Team

Published Date: 5 August, 2021

The Five Ks of Sikhhism

There are five things all sikhs (baptised Sikhs) should wear, these are:

  • The Kes (uncut hair)
  • Kangha (a wooden comb)
  • Kara (a iron bracelet)
  • Kachera (cotton underpants)
  • Kirpan (an iron dagger)

and what they mean to the Sikh who carry them.

Sikh Image Pooranmashi Sydney
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Sikh Image Pooranmashi Sydney

The Kes (uncut hair)

The Kesh also known as Kesa, or uncut, long hair, is considered by Sikhs as an indispensable part of the human body. Long known as a sign of spiritual devotion, it also emulates the appearance of Guru Gobind Singh and is one of the primary signs by which a Sikh can be clearly and quickly identified. A Sikh never cuts or trims any hair as a symbol of respect for the perfection of God’s creation.

Kangha (a wooden comb)

The Kanga is a wooden comb and is one of 5 K’s, or articles of faith known in Sikhism as kakar. It comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and types of wood. Some kangas have short fine teeth, while others have long wide teeth. Sikhs do not cut their hair. In the days before shampoo, Sikhs cleansed their hair using a combination of water and oil. The traditional practice of using oil to continues in modern times and helps prevent snarling of the tresses and nourishes the scalp. A large kanga removes tangles easily. A small fine toothed kanga is useful for cleaning and maintaining healthy hair free of dandruff and parasites. Sikhs comb their hair in the morning before tying a turban, and generally at the end of the day, before sleeping. The kanga is generally worn tucked into the joora, or top knot of hair, that is tied up and wound into a bun beneath the turban.

Kara (a iron bracelet)

A kara is an all iron bangle or pure steel ring worn on the wrist of the right arm and is one of 5 Ks, or required articles of faith known in Sikhism as kakar. The kara is not considered to be a piece of jewelry. While only a single kara is required wear and is generally worn on the right wrist by both genders, multiple karas may be worn if desired on both wrists. Traditionally the kara served as a protective wrist guard for the Khalsa warrior during battle when fighting with swords and other lethal shastar weaponry. The kara also serves as a visible reminder of the bond between the Sikh and Guru.

Kachera (cotton underpants)

Kachhera is a loose undergarment worn by Sikhs and is one of 5 Ks or required articles of faith known in Sikhism as kakar. It is designed for ease of movement while maintaining modesty, whether sitting cross-legged for worship, participating in seva, or engaging in martial arts. Historically, the kachhera worn by Sikh warriors allowed for agility in battle or when riding astride on horseback.

Kirpan (an iron dagger)

A kirpan is a ceremonial short sword worn by an initiated Sikh and is one of 5 Ks or articles of faith known in Sikhism as kakar. The kirpan represents the ideal of the Sikh warrior to defend the weak from tyranny, injustice ​and forced conversion. Historically the kirpan would have been a weapon used in battle. The kirpan also plays a role to bless degh and langar before it is eaten.

Source: Internet, Wikipedia etc.

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