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Adopting these common symbols would identify members of the Khalsa

Because all members of the Khalsa wear the 5 Ks the members of the community are more strongly bound together

Each K has a particular significance

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Kesh (uncut hair)

Kara (a steel bracelet)

Kanga (a wooden comb)

Kachera - (cotton underwear)

Kirpan (steel sword)

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The five Ks are five items that are worn on the body. They can be considered a uniform for the ‘Khalsa Sikhs’. These Sikhs outwardly show their commitment to the Sikh faith to others.

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Kara - a steel bracelet

A symbol that a Sikh is linked to the Guru.

It acts as a reminder that a Sikh should not do anything of which the Guru would not approve.

It is a circle to symbolise having no beginning or end.

A symbol of permanent bonding to the community-being a link in the chain of Khalsa Sikhs (the word for link is 'kari').

The Kara is made of steel, rather than gold or silver, because it is not an ornament.

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Kanga - a wooden comb

This symbolises a clean mind and body; since it keeps the uncut hair neat and tidy.

It symbolises the importance of looking after the body which God has created. This does not conflict with the Sikh's aim to move beyond bodily concerns; since the body is one's vehicle for enlightenment one should care for it appropriately.

Sikhs often refer to the kanga removing knots from their hair as a metaphor for how following the teachings of God removes the tangles and difficulties from a person’s life.

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Kachera - special underwear

This is a pair of breeches that must not come below the knee.

The kaccha reminds Sikhs of what the warriors who fought for their faith wore on the battlefield.

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Kesh - uncut hair

Various reasons and symbolisms have been put forward for the Sikh practice of keeping hair uncut.

It follows the appearance of Guru Gobind Singh, founder of the Khalsa.

One's hair is part of God's creation. Keeping hair uncut symbolises that they are willing to accept God's gift as God intended it.

Uncut hair symbolizes adoption of a simple life, and denial of pride in one's appearance.

A Sikh should only bow his head to the Guru, and not to a barber.

It is a highly visible symbol of membership of the group.

Sikhs often wear a turban to keep it clean. However, the turban is not one of the five Ks.

Sikh women are just as forbidden to cut any body hair or even trim their eyebrows, as Sikh men are forbidden to trim their beards.

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Kirpan - a ceremonial sword

Sikhs carry around this small single-edged sword to represent their duty to protect their faith and defend those in need.

It reminds Sikhs to always fight for justice and protect the weak. It must never be used in anger.

Today, the kirpan is worn for its symbolism, not as an actual weapon. Because of the practical difficulties of wearing a Kirpan, some Sikhs prefer to wear an alternative, such as a pendant in the shape of a kirpan on a neck chain.

The Kirpan can symbolise:

Spirituality

The soldier part of the Soldier-Saints

Defence of good

Defence of the weak

The struggle against injustice

A metaphor for God

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Khalsa- A group into which committed Sikhs can be initiated to demonstrate their devotion to their faith.

Singh- means lion

Panj pyare- The beloved five