Learn · Five Ks
Kara
A steel (or iron) bangle worn on the wrist — a reminder of the Guru and of right action.
ਕੜਾ
What it is
The kara is a simple circle of steel or iron. It has no beginning or end, a reminder of the eternal Divine and of the bond to the Guru.
It is worn on the wrist as a check on the hand — what one does. Gold fashion bangles are not the same article.
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.