People who want to show their commitment to Sikhi
go through a special ceremony called the Amrit Sanskar
to become a member of the Khalsa, which means brotherhood.
They also wear five symbols which are called the five Ks,
because they all begin with K in Punjabi,
the language the Sikh Gurus would have spoken.
This tradition was started by Guru Gobind Singh ji,
who wanted his people to stand up for what they believed.
To declare to the world that they were Sikh and proud of it.
The first K is called Kesh, which means uncut hair.
This symbolises
that Sikhs should respect God's perfect creation and never harm it.
Men keep their hair tied up neatly in a turban and will let their beard grow.
Some women choose to wear a turban as well, although they don't have to.
Guru Gobind Singh ji wanted the Sikhs to have respect for each other
and respect for themselves.
So he told them to carry a Kangha, a comb as a reminder
that they should keep themselves clean and tidy at all times.
The Kara is a steel bangle that Sikhs wear on their right wrist
if they're right handed and on their left wrist if they are left handed.
They still remind Sikhs that they should be strong
and the circular shape reminds them that there is one eternal God.
The Kara is also a reminder to Sikhs that they should not do anything wrong.
So if their hand stretches out to steal something or hit someone,
the Kara is there to make them think again.
The Kachera are, and there is no easy way to put this, underwear.
Back when Guru Gobind Singh ji was alive,
not everyone bothered to wear underwear.
They might wear a loose wrap or even a long shirt.
But the Guru said the Sikhs should cover themselves decently
by wearing shorts with a drawstring waist.
It is another symbol of self respect and respect for other people.
The Kirpan is probably the most misunderstood of the five Ks.
Originally, it was a long, sharp, single edged sword that Sikhs would carry so
they could defend themselves and others from persecution.
These days, Sikhs usually carry a very small, short
and blunt Kirpan that would be of little use as a weapon.
But the symbolism is the same.
Sikhs should be ready at all times to stand up
for what they believe is right and stand up for the defenseless.
This doesn't mean literally fighting, although it might.
It's more about standing up for what is right and speaking out
against what is wrong.
Guru Gobind Singh ji knew that it is important
for Sikhs to have freedom to express themselves,
to be proud of who they are and what they believe.