Learn · Five Ks
Kirpan
A short sword or knife worn as an article of faith — the duty to defend the weak.
ਕਿਰਪਾਨ
What it is
Kirpan means an instrument of mercy. For an Amritdhari Sikh it is an article of faith, not a weapon carried for sport.
Size, sheath, and how it is worn follow Rehat and local law. This page does not give legal advice for airports, schools, or workplaces. Ask your sangat and the authority that applies.
Gatka weapons (khanda, talwar, chakkar) are a martial tradition; they are not the same as the kirpan article. /learn/gatka is not a live lesson yet.
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.