Five Ks that glue Sikh faith

Kesh: Hair is not just a symbol; it is the gift from God

DID YOU KNOW? Sikhs have five articles of faith natively known as Kakaars or Five Ks. The articles include Kesh-uncut hair, Kanga- comb, Kara-Bracelet, Kirpan-sword and Kachehra - a special type of shorts. Justine Juliet Rukundo compiles all five articles of faith a baptised Sikh wears. They not only represent or identify a Sikh but also have deeper meaning. Guru Gobind Singh Ji created a lifestyle to keep a Sikh focused life. Such does not let one dwindle or get side tracked.

Kesh: Hair is not just a symbol; it is the gift from God. Guru Nanak Dev Ji started the practice of keeping the hair bushy. The keeping of hair in its natural state is regarded as living in harmony with the will of God. It is also a symbol of brotherhood. Hair is an integral part of the human body created by God and Sikhism calls for its preservation. Sikhs live the way God made humans and never cut their hair. Guru Gobind Singh Ji instructed Sikh to wear Turban in order to protect their hair. Turban has many purposes and one is to keep a Sikh focused in his beliefs.

Kanga: The comb is necessary to keep the hair clean and tidy. A Sikh must comb his hair twice a day and tie his turban neatly. The Gurus wore turbans and instructed the Sikhs to wear turbans for the protection of hair, promotion of social identity and cohesion. It has thus become an essential part of the Sikh dress code.

SIGNIFICANCE

The Five Ks are not supposed to foster exclusiveness or superiority.
*They are meant to keep the Sikhs united in the pursuit of ideal life. These enable Sikhs to keep their vows made at the time of baptism.
*Wearing the symbols of faith keeps one a Sikh and being a Sikh brings one closer to God. Each and every one of Gurus’ teachings have a purpose and meaning because it was told to them by God. God has created a religion, a path, and a faith, which brings one closer to God and helps one to unite with Him.

Kara: The bracelet symbolises restrain from evil deeds. It is worn on the right wrist and reminds the Sikh of the vows taken by him. Sikh as a servant of the Guru, should not do anything which may bring shame or disgrace. When he looks at the kara, he is made to think twice before doing anything evil with his hands.

Kirpan: The sword is the emblem of courage and self-defence. It symbolises dignity, self-reliance, capacity and readiness to always defend the weak and the oppressed. It helps sustain one’s martial spirit and the determination to sacrifice oneself in order to defend truth, fight against oppression and fight to preserve Sikh moral values. The rule is never to do injustice and never let anyone perform injustice.
A Sikh is a devotee first and to protect his devotion. He or she will always help the one in need and fight for him or her regardless of the person’s caste, colour or religion. When all other means of self-protection fail, the Sikh can use his sword to protect himself and others but never use the sword to attack anyone.

Kachehra: Under shorts symbolises a faithful life. It reminds the Sikh of the need for self-restrain over passions, lust and desires. Apart from its moral significance, it ensures briskness during action and freedom of movement at all times. During today’s dark world filled with lust, if a Sikh ever gets carried away in the moment of lust, the kachehra refrains one from making wrong moves and reminds him of his duties.