Learn · Sikhi

The Five Ks

Kesh (uncut hair) — accepting the natural form given by God.

Kangha (wooden comb) — discipline and cleanliness, kept in the kesh.

Kara (steel bracelet) — a constant reminder of the eternal divine and the moral bond to the Guru.

Kachhera (cotton undergarment) — a symbol of self-restraint and chastity.

Kirpan (ceremonial sword) — the duty to defend the weak and oppose injustice.

Each article has its own page. The short list also lives on /learn/sikh-concepts#five-ks — this hub extends that lesson rather than replacing it. The dastar is covered at /learn/dastar; it is not a K.

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The five articles

ਕੇਸ਼

Kesh

Uncut hair — accepting the natural form given by God.

ਕੰਘਾ

Kangha

A wooden comb kept in the kesh — discipline and cleanliness.

ਕੜਾ

Kara

A steel (or iron) bangle worn on the wrist — a reminder of the Guru and of right action.

ਕਛਹਿਰਾ

Kachera

A tailored cotton undergarment — self-restraint.

ਕਿਰਪਾਨ

Kirpan

A short sword or knife worn as an article of faith — the duty to defend the weak.

Five Ks questions

›What are the Five Ks?

Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (wooden comb), Kara (steel bracelet), Kachera (cotton undergarment), and Kirpan (article of defence). They were given to the Khalsa at Vaisakhi 1699. See /learn/sikh-concepts#five-ks for the short list on the concepts lesson.

›Is the turban one of the Five Ks?

No. The dastar covers and honours the kesh. It is not listed as a separate K. See /learn/dastar.

›Who wears the Five Ks?

Initiated (Amritdhari) Sikhs keep all five. Many other Sikhs keep some of them. This site does not police anyone’s practice.