The Khalsa and the Five Ks

Guru Gobind Singh was the tenth Sikh Guru. He lived over 300 years ago. He set a good example to Sikhs, living simply and working hard. He was also known as a brave man. Guru Gobind Singh wanted to create a strong Sikh community so he called all the Sikhs together. He took everyone by surprise when he drew his sword and asked if anyone in the crowd would offer him their head! People were stunned and some ran away. The Guru made a second call. Nobody came forward. Finally, on the third call a Sikh offered his head and he was led inside the Guru’s tent. A blow and thud were heard. No-one knew what had happened and when the Guru came out, the crowd thought that he must have killed the Sikh. He asked if anyone else would offer their head to him. Even though people were really frightened, four more Sikhs volunteered themselves to the Guru and they went inside the tent. After a while, the Guru came out and to everyone’s surprise, he had with him the five volunteers everyone thought were dead. The Guru had dressed these Sikhs in special clothes and gave them sugar water or Amrit, stirred with a two edged sword, as a way of saying how special they were. These five volunteers were seen as highly faithful Sikhs. The special water symbolised their baptism and the Guru gave them the name Singh (lion) and called them the 'Panj Pyare' or Five Beloved Ones. They were the first members of the Sikh Khalsa. Today the Khalsa are a special group of Sikh people who have dedicated themselves to following the teachings of the Gurus and have been baptised during the sacred Amrit ceremony. The men and women are expected to be examples of all that is pure and good and to follow all the duties of their religion, including wearing the five Ks. 

Sikhs who have joined the Khalsa show their faith by wearing five special things called the Five Ks. These show the Khalsa member’s devotion to their beliefs and are a sign of belonging. Sikhs who haven't been baptised into the Khalsa often wear them too.

Kesh (or kes) is uncut hair. Hair is a sign of holiness and strength. Not cutting hair shows that a Sikh accepts God's gift without trying to change it. Sometimes Sikh's keep their hair tidy by wearing a turban. 

A kangha (or kanga) is a wooden comb. It keeps the uncut hair clean and tidy, it also shows the importance of looking after the mind and body. 

A kara is a steel bracelet in the shape of a circle. It's a reminder that, like a circle, God has no beginning and no end.

A kirpan is a ceremonial sword. It reminds Sikhs to look after and defend people who are weak. Many people have a tiny version instead of having a full-sized sword with them all the time.

Kachera (also kacchera or kaccha) is special underwear made of cotton. It is comfortable and allows the wearer to move freely, and to be ready to fight for what is right.

In order to join the Khalsa, a Sikh must take part in the Amrit Sanskar or baptism. This ceremony is performed in the presence of five Amritdhar (baptised) Sikhs, as well as the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book). The person who is to be baptised must wash their hair, wear clean clothes and the Five Ks, and drink amrit, or nectar, made from sugar and water and stirred with a sword. The double-edged sword in the middle of the Khanda symbol is used in the ceremony. The ritual also includes readings from the Guru Granth Sahib.