Sikh

5K - Panj Kakar

1. Kanga
2. Kachha
3. Kara
4 Kirpan
5. Kesh

The Kanga

The Kanga is a wooden comb which is kept in a Sikh's hair. The Kanga seeks to reflect a Sikh's purity, the Sikh's orderliness.

The Kachha

The Kachha is the pair of 'shorts' that a Sikh is to wear. The Kachha seeks to remind the Sikh of his/her vow of not committing adultery, further to remind the Sikh of their obligations towards one - that being the husband or wife. It also reminds the Sikh of his freedom, that he is not bound by any worldly government.

The Kara

The Kara is a metal bangle worn on a Sikh's wrist. This seeks to deter the Sikh from committing any type of sin. For most sins and crimes are committed through the hands, hence the Kara would always be seen by the Sikh.

The Kirpan

The Kirpan is the dagger that a Sikh wears. The Kirpan seeks to remind the Sikh of his or her constant battle against sin. Sikhs have historically been looked upon as defenders of the innocent. This was typified during the days of Baba Banda Singh Bahadar and during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Even today, a Sikh is expected to defend the innocent within the bounds of his or her capabilities.

The Kesh

The Kesh refers to a Sikh's hair. A Sikh is not allowed to cut nor trim his or her hair - referring also to the beard. The Guru's accepted and emphasized the understanding that man was created in the true image of the Lord WaheGuru. They taught that the Lord WaheGuru is perfect in more ways than we can understand, therefore the human was created in an image that the Lord saw fit and it was clear that the hair on one's body was destined to grow. Hence to cut that hair is regarded as an act against the Lord's will.

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