Sikhs are bound to wear five items, known as the Five Ks, on them at all times. It is done either out of respect for the tenth teacher, Guru Gobind Singh, or out of a sense of duty. It is important to note that the 5 k's are not merely present for symbolic purposes. The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, ordered these 5 K's to be worn so that a Sikh could activly use them to make a difference to their own spirituality and to others' spirituality.

1. Kesh (uncut hair)

A Sikh never cuts or trims any hair, to indicate the perfection of God's creation. A comb is to keep the hair tidy, a symbol of not just accepting what God has given, but also an injunction to maintain it with grace.

The Kesh also has a practical function, as with all of the 5 K's. The hair is believed to increase the spitrual energy that one projects whilst meditating. It acts similar to an electromagnet. The greater number of coils you have the stronger the field is. Similarly, the longer your hair is, the greater the spiritual energy is that is given off when meditating. In other words, the hair acts as an antennas to communicate with the universal consciousness.

The basis of this is rooted in the belief that the body has energy centres. The one that is required to experience God is known as the Dasam Dawar (The Tenth Gate). This is located at the crown of the head and when the kesh is tied at the top of the head in a knot, the person's chance of experiencing God increases.

It has been asserted by some that the length of one's hair is linked to intelligence, health, spirtuality and many other things.

2. Khanga (comb)

Khanga means comb. Sikhs use a small wooden comb because it can be worn easily in the hair all the time. Apart from its practical utility, a comb is clearly a symbol of cleanliness. Just as a comb helps to remove the tangles and cleans the hair, similarly a Sikh is reminded to get rid of any impurities of thought by repeating 'NAAM' (God's name) in his mind.

3. Karra (circular braclet)

Karra literally means a link or bondage. It is a special iron bracelet which is worn on the right hand wrist. The Karra is the Guru's own symbolic ring to all his Sikhs signifying their unbreakable link or bond with the Guru as well as among themselves, belonging to the brotherhood of Khalsa. Also the circle is a symbol of restraint and in practice a constant reminder to the Sikh of ideal behavior in the event of weakness.

4. Kachera (shorts)

Kaccha is a pair of knee length shorts. This is special, slightly longer type of underwear and is symbolic of continence and a high moral character. Like breeches, Kaccha can be worn on their own without causing embarrassment. Thus it is quite useful in hot weather, swimming and sports activities.

5. Kirpan (small sword)

A Kirpan is a curved sword. Kirpan comes from the word 'KIRPA' and 'AAN'. Kirpa means an act of kindness, a favour; and 'aan' means honour, respect, self-respect. It is an instrument which adds to self-respect and self-defence. Thus for Sikhs, Kirpan is the symbol of power and freedom of spirit. All baptised Sikhs should wear a short form of Kirpan (approx. 6" to 9" long) on their body. To call it a dagger or knife is rather insulting to this article of faith, which functions quite differently from the other two. The blade should be made of iron.

See also

• Sikhism