The 5 Ks
Sikhs who have joined the Khalsa (by taking Amrit) wear five articles of faith. Each one starts with the letter K in Punjabi, so they are called the 5 Ks. Each one has a special meaning.
Kesh ਕੇਸ
Uncut hair
Accepting the body as God made it. Sikhs keep their hair long and tidy, and many cover it with a turban (dastar) or scarf.
Kanga ਕੰਘਾ
A small wooden comb
Keeping clean and tidy, inside and out. It is used to comb the hair twice a day.
Kara ਕੜਾ
A steel bracelet
A circle has no beginning or end, like God. Seeing it on your wrist reminds you to use your hands to do good.
Kachera ਕਛਹਿਰਾ
Cotton shorts worn as underwear
Self-control and being always ready to act — they were practical for soldiers and horse riders.
Kirpan ਕਿਰਪਾਨ
A small curved sword
A duty to protect the weak and stand up for justice. The word comes from “kirpa” (kindness) and “aan” (honour). It is a religious article, never a weapon for attack.
Why do many Sikhs wear a turban?
The turban (dastar or pagg) keeps the long hair neat and clean. In history, only kings and important people wore turbans — the Gurus asked every Sikh to wear one, to show that all people are equal and royal in God’s eyes. Many Sikh women wear turbans too, or a long scarf called a chunni.