karaWhy Do Sikhs Wear Kara?
Sikh (pronounced “sickh”) refers to a disciple or learner. In the fifteenth century, Guru Nanak Dev Ji founded the Sikh religion in Northern India. It is the fifth-largest religion with 25 million adherents worldwide. Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that began over 500 years ago in the Punjab region that emphasises men's and women’s equality. Sikhs believe in three essential principles: praying, meditating on the name of God, and sharing the results of one’s labour with others. Known for bravery, community service, equality, heritage, trust, smile and nevertheless food, Sikhs emphasize service to humanity.
Sikhs have their own scripture, Guru Granth Sahib. Written, composed and compiled by Sikh gurus it serves as the source of all spiritual knowledge and authority for Sikhs.
History of Wearing Punjabi Karas
“JO BOLE SO NIHAL, SAT SRI AKAL” is the Sikh slogan or Jaikara which means one will be blessed eternally who says that God is the ultimate truth. It is part of the traditional greeting used by the followers of the Sikh religion.
According to history, the 5 Kakars- also known as the 5Ks date back to the tenth guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh’s founding of the Khalsa Panth at the Baisakhi Amrit Sanchar in 1699. The five sacred Sikh symbols are commonly known as Panch Kakars or the Five Ks because they start with the little K representing Kakka in the Punjabi language. Each K is significant in its own way. The five Ks represent a Sikh’s commitment to a life of devotion and surrender to the Guru when worn collectively. The 5 Ks are five physical emblems worn by Khalsa -a baptized Sikh. The 5 Kakars are the markers of Sikh identity. Guru Gobind Singh’s greatest achievement was his creation of the Khalsa in 1699. He stands in the minds of the Sikhs as the ideal of chivalry, the Sikh soldier-saint. Khalsa is a universal brotherhood of self-appointed guardians of a society, free from caste-ridden and pluralistic propensities.
The Five Ks are as follows:
· Kesh (uncut hair)
· Kara- also known as Kada (a steel bracelet)
· Kangha (a wooden comb)
· Kaccha- also spelt as Kachh or Kachera (a cotton underwear)
· Kirpan ( a steel sword)
Significance of Kara
The Kara –also known as kada- is one of the five Kakars or 5Ks –external article of faith- that identify a Sikh as dedicated to religious order. Kara was derived from a protective ring for swords to protect the hands of the warriors of Khalsa when fighting with their armed swords during battle. The person taking the punishment must keep it clean and not take it off until absolutely necessary. The Kara has and still continues to serve as a reminder to a Sikh that ‘struggle’ is the meaning of life victory or defeat in the hands of God. It reminds a Sikh of Guru Nanak’s philosophy said, ‘He is the doer of everything, man is powerless.’
Historically, brass knuckles were also used in hand-to-hand combat. Battlefield variants include pointed or sharp carapaces. Sikh soldiers of the British Indian Army settled the dispute by competing with a Kara in one hand in a form of boxing known as a loh-muthi (literally “iron fist”).
The steel bracelet is a symbol of immortal affection and devotion to God. It is a hallmark of strength and integrity, an emblem of obedience, equality, oneness, universality and eternity. It is a constant reminder of the Sikh’s mission on earth and the need to act in a righteous and genuine manner in accordance with the advice of the guru. The round shape of Kara means that God has neither beginning nor end. The circular shape, one of the most important and oldest of symbols of the Kara also has a philosophical and psychological interpretation. It is considered to be one of the most important Arch-types which shapes one’s conscious and unconscious behaviour. It is normally worn by the Sikh on his/her right arm. Being synonymous with Kari -link, it stands as a symbol of permanent attachment to the community, which is a link in the chains of the Khalsa Sikhs. The Kara is made of steel rather than gold or silver, as it is not an adornment but holy and sacred. Steel being the cheapest metal and the Kara being made of steel depicts humility.
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