Khalsa and the 5Ks

The Khalsa is a very important part of the Sikh religion. Sikhs are people who follow the teachings of Sikhism, which is a religion that started about 500 years ago in Punjab, a region in India. The word "Khalsa" means "pure," and it represents a special group of Sikhs who have made a commitment to follow certain principles and live their lives in a particular way.

The five Ks are five items that start with the letter "K," and they are considered symbols of Sikh faith and identity. These items are:

Kesh: Kesh means uncut hair. Sikhs believe that their hair is a gift from God and that they should let it grow naturally. So, you'll often see Sikh men and women with long hair.
Kangha: Kangha is a small wooden comb that Sikhs use to keep their hair clean and tidy. They carry it with them and use it to comb their hair every day.
Kara: Kara is a steel bracelet that Sikhs wear on their wrist. It represents strength and unity with God. It's a constant reminder for Sikhs to do good deeds and stay on the right path.
Kachera: Kachera is a special type of cotton undergarment that Sikhs wear. It's like a loose pair of shorts. It reminds Sikhs to live a life of modesty and self-discipline.
Kirpan: Kirpan is a small sword or dagger. It's not meant to be used as a weapon but as a symbol of courage and the Sikh duty to protect the weak and fight for justice.

These five Ks—Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachera, and Kirpan—are important symbols that represent the Sikh faith and identity. They remind Sikhs of their commitment to their religion and the principles they believe in.

Y7 Sikhism

The 5 Ks