Learn · Five Ks
Kesh
Uncut hair — accepting the natural form given by God.
ਕੇਸ਼
What it is
Kesh is uncut hair, kept by initiated Sikhs (Amritdhari) as one of the Five Ks given at Vaisakhi 1699.
It is usually covered with a dastar (turban). The turban itself is not a fifth article listed among the Five Ks; it protects and honours the kesh. See /learn/dastar.
This page does not tell anyone to cut or not cut hair for fashion. Local Rehat and a person’s amrit sanchar are matters for that sangat and the Panj Pyaare.
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.