Sikh Dharma International

The Five K's

Khalsa brothersAt the first Amrit ceremony, Guru Gobind Singh gave the Rehit, or self-discipline, which was recorded and passed down through the generations: The Rehit includes wearing the Five Kakar's (5 K's) The Five Kakar's are listed and explained below.

The Five Kakar's (5 K's):

  • Kesh: uncut hair. A Khalsa does not cut or trim their hair. The hair is given by the Divine for a purpose so you keep it as it has been given to you.
  • Kangha: a wooden comb worn in the hair under the turban. It is worn as part of a commitment to keeping yourself and your physical world graceful and clean.
  • Kirpan: literally means "kindness." The kirpan is a small sword. It is to be used only in self-defense or to protect those who are unable to defend themselves.
  • Kara: a steel or iron bangle worn on the left wrist for women and the right wrist for men. The Kara shows that you live as a slave to the Divine.
  • Kachhera: cotton shorts worn as a reminder and aid to keep the creative sexual energy in balance.

The following excerpt adapted from Living Reality by Bhai Sahiba Dr. Bibiji Inderjit Kaur Khalsa, Page 74-75.

When our father Guru Gobind Singh gave the gift of the 5 K's to the Khalsa, he did so with a promise. That if we follow his teachings and keep ourselves distinct, we will have his power and support. To read more about the significance of each of the 5 K's, click on the links below.