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by Firebrand on November 10th, 2007

Firebrand

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What are the Five K's which make up the initiation ceremony that Sikh boys and girls enter into at puberty? (names of each K please)

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Answers. 2 helpful answers below.

  • by Kevisaurus is a Carnotaurus today on November 10th, 2007

    Kevisaurus is a Carnotaurus today

    'Those who wish to be initiated into the Khalsa, both men and women, should have reached an age of responsibility (usually 14-16), must be in possession of the five Ks
    kesh - uncut hair
    kangha - comb
    kirpan - sword
    kaccha - short trousers
    kara - steel bracelet
    and should be attempting to follow the Sikh way of life.'
    Source: http://www.iol.ie/~ndnsp/project/outline12.htm#sikh

    Good question.

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  • by raynorshine on February 4th, 2009

    raynorshine

    The Five K's are called 'KAKKAAR', because each of them begins with the letter 'K', hence 5K''s. They are:

    Kesh Kesh means hair. A Sikh should treat his hair as a gift from God himself. It is His trust. To keep this God-given form intact is the first and foremost duty of a Sikh. The hair is a symbol of faith, and keeping long hair confirms a Sikh's belief in the acceptance of God's Will, and teaches him Humility and Acceptance.
    Khanga Khanga means comb. Sikhs use a small wodden 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.
    Karra Karra literally means a link or bondage. It is a special steel bracelet which is worn on the right hand wrist like a wedding ring which signifies a bond between the two people. 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.
    Kachha Kaccha is a pair of 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.
    Kirpan It is a sword. However, the Sikhs call it the Kirpan. 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.


    http://www.canteach.ca/elementary/sikhism8.html

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