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Kesh Turban 
Kanga 
Kara 
Kirpan 
Kaccha |
The Kesh is the uncut hair. It is a symbol of spirituality. Sikhs beleive that a person's hair is part of God's creation and should be left as God intended it to be. The turban, while it is not offically one of the five Ks, serves the purpose of keeping the kesh neet and tidy and therefore is regarded as a religious symbol. The Kanga is a wooden comb. It is a symbol of cleanliness. The kanga is used to comb the kesh and is tucked in the kesh when not being used. A Sikh person is expected to comb their hair a least once a day but will often comb the kesh several times a day. The Kara is a steel bracelet. Karas are also made out of other metals especially gold and silver. It is usually worn on the right wrist; however, many Sikhs wear one on both wrists. The kara symbolizes restraint from evil deeds and a reminder to only do good things with your hands. When a Sikh person does sometihng with thier hands and sees the kara, it serves as a reminder that God is watching. The Kirpan is a short sword. It is a symbol of courage and self defence. It signifies the capacity and readiness to defend the weak and oppressed. Sikhs are soldiers and will defend thier religion. They will not initiate violence but, if attacked, will fight back, even until death. The Kachha are specially made cotton underwear. They symbolize purity and chastity. A central premise of Sikhism is abstaining from extramarital sex. |
| It is important to note that a traditional, baptized Sikh will generally practice all of the above five Ks and be quite strict about wearing them. However, many people who consider themsevels to be Sikh, practice the five Ks to varying degrees. | |