Five Ks

They are: kesh (ਕੇਸ਼, keś, unshorn hair and beard since the Sikh decided to keep it), kangha (ਕੰਘਾ, kãṅghā, a comb for the kesh, usually wood), kara (ਕੜਾ, kaṛā, a bracelet, usually made of iron or steel), kachhera (ਕਛੈਰਾ, kachairā, an undergarment), and kirpan (ਕਿਰਪਾਨ, kirpān, a small curved sword or knife made of iron or steel).

[1] The Five Ks are not just symbols, but articles of faith that collectively form the external identity and the Khalsa devotee's commitment to the Sikh rehni, 'Sikh way of life'.

The kesh, also known as kesa, or uncut, long hair, is considered by Sikhs to be an indispensable part of the human body.

"[4] Wearing a turban declares sovereignty, dedication, self-respect, courage and piety.A noted figure in Sikh history is Bhai Taru Singh, who was martyred when he refused to get his kesh cut.

[6][7] The Sikhs were commanded by Guru Gobind Singh at the Baisakhi Amrit Sanchar in 1699 to wear an iron bracelet called a Kara at all times.

Originally, the Kachhera was made part of the five Ks as a symbol of a Sikh soldier's willingness to be ready at a moment's notice for battle or for defense.

Further, this garment allowed the Sikh soldier to operate in combat freely and without any hindrance or restriction, because it was easy to fabricate, maintain, wash, and carry compared to other traditional undergarments of that era, like the dhoti.

The Kachhera symbolizes self-respect, and always reminds the wearer of mental control over lust, one of the Five Evils in Sikh philosophy.

The Kachhera can be classed between underwear and an outer garment, as in appearance it does not reveal private anatomy, and looks and wears like shorts.

[6] ਸ਼ਸਤਰ ਹੀਨ ਕਬਹੂ ਨਹਿ ਹੋਈ, ਰਿਹਤਵੰਤ ਖਾਲਸਾ ਸੋਈ ॥Those who never depart their arms, they are the Khalsa with excellent rehats.The kirpan is a dagger that symbolises a Sikh's duty to come to the defense of those in peril.

A dastār (Punjabi: ਦਸਤਾਰ, from Persian: دستار) which derives from dast-e-yār or 'the hand of God',[citation needed] is an item of headwear associated with Sikhism, and is an important part of Sikh culture.

The Khalsa Sikh men and women, who keep the Five Ks, wear the turban to cover their long, uncut hair (kesh).

Kamar kasa is a sash bound around the waist to hold weapons an essential part of Nihang (Sikh warrior) dress.