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Kesh

Kesh, from the Punjabi word for hair, denotes uncut hair and is one of the Five Ks, the external articles of faith that identify baptized Sikhs (Khalsa). It was established by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 as part of a code of conduct and spiritual discipline. Kesh symbolizes living in harmony with the will of God and accepting the natural form of creation, reflecting humility, courage, and spirituality.

Practices associated with Kesh emphasize maintaining hair in its natural, uncut state. Sikhs typically do not

Kesh is traditionally worn in conjunction with the other Four Ks: Kangha (a wooden comb kept in

Geographically, Kesh is central to Sikh identity in Punjab and in diaspora communities around the world. Variations

shave
their
hair
on
the
scalp
or
face,
and
the
hair
is
kept
clean
and
cared
for.
Men
often
cover
their
hair
with
a
turban,
while
many
women
cover
theirs
with
a
scarf
or
other
covering.
The
emphasis
is
on
reverence
for
the
divine
form
and
the
discipline
of
keeping
hair
unaltered
as
a
sign
of
faith.
hair
to
maintain
cleanliness),
Kara
(a
steel
bracelet
representing
restraint
and
moral
conduct),
Kachera
(an
undergarment
symbolizing
self-control),
and
Kirpan
(a
ceremonial
blade
representing
protection
and
justice).
Together,
these
articles
of
faith
serve
as
daily
reminders
of
Sikh
ideals,
including
righteousness,
equality,
and
self-discipline.
exist
in
practice
and
interpretation,
but
the
core
principle
remains
the
maintenance
of
uncut
hair
as
a
commitment
to
faith
and
spiritual
discipline.