Why Punjabi Kara is Important to Sikhs?
The term Sikh originates from the word ‘Sisya’ which means disciple, someone who treads on the path of his Guru’s teachings to help him or her choose right over wrong and lead a righteous life with compassion and faith. It is easy to spot a Sikh man in a crowd with his turban and beard, and if you look closely, there is a Kara in the right hand. Kesh, Kangha, Kirpan, Kachera and Kara are what define a Sikh’s external identity.
The 5 Ks in Sikhism are not Merely Articles of Faith
● Sikh men wear a turban to cover their long Kesh (unshorn hair) tied neatly and set in place with a Kangha (small wooden comb) at all times. Kesh symbolizes unwavering faith and living in the physical image of the Gurus who also kept long hair themselves.
● The Kirpan is a curved single-edged sword useful for self-defense in times of danger and also to protect those who need help. It is believed to be symbolic of one’s duty to help the less fortunate and weak.
● The Kachera is a loose piece of undergarment worn as a reminder to have self-control.
● The fifth K in Sikhism refers to the Kara, worn around the right wrist by both men and women. The Kara was instituted by Shri Guru Gobind Singh ji, the 10th Sikh Guru.
Sikh Kara and its Significance: A Religious Connect
With a history dating back to the 17the century, a Sikh Kara is more than just an accessory or a style statement and has religious significance attached to it.
● The circular shape is a reminder of eternity, with no definite beginning or end.
● The Kara is a reminder of the Guru, whose teachings are his guiding light in life
● The Kara also reminds a Sikh to choose right over wrong in testing times, teaching from the Guru
● It is the symbol of attachment to the divine and that a Sikh must lead a life adhering to the Guru’s teachings
The Kara also finds its origin back in the days when it was worn by the Khalsa warriors as a weapon of combat that also guarded their sword arm during a battle.
Are Sikh Karas the Same as Punjabi Karas?
In one word, the answer is yes. They are the same kind and very often the words Sikh Kara and Punjabi Kara are used interchangeably. The difference though is in the words Sikh and Punjabi. A Sikh is any person who identifies with the Sikh religion and Punjabi is a word used for people living in the Punjab area of India and Pakistan.
The Sikh Kara underwent many variations in style with time. Yet, the essence of wearing a Kara within Sikh communities across the globes continues to remain that of faith and righteousness. The Punjabi Kara is sold locally and is easily available in India. One can buy Sikhi Karas outside of India through online retailers that cater especially to the Sikhi lifestyle.
What is an Original Sikh Kara Made Out of?
Originally, a Sikh Kara or a Punjabi Kara is made out of cast iron or steel. In recent years, gold Karas has also gained popularity among men and women who wear a Kara.
o The cast iron Kara is also known as the Sarbhloh Kara. As the name signifies, ‘sarbh’ means all, and ‘loh’ means iron- a Kara made almost entirely of iron. These are the most common types of Karas worn by Sikh men and women even today.
● Earlier, these Karas were worn by Khalsa soldiers as a protective weapon during a battle. These were designed specifically to serve this purpose bearing sharp edges that could harm the assailant in one blow.
● Another variant of the Kara that served useful during battle is the Dumala Chakar, which is worn around the Dastar (a piece of clothing worn over the head by a Sikh). It is a thin sharp-edged Kara that can be thrown over a long distance to attack an enemy from a distance. In recent times, these are worn over a Dastar as an accessory and are easily available.
o A much lighter version of the Sarbhloh Kara is the steel Karas worn by people of both Sikh and other religious faiths.
o Gold Karas is a popular choice especially for young children, while men and women also buy gold Karas to wear on special occasions to go with traditional clothing. It is also a way of indulgence.
o Karas inscribed with phrases or words from the Gurbani to give them a special appeal and personalization are also quite popular and highly sought after.
o Nevertheless, iron and steel Karas remain the most popular Karas worn by Sikhs and people of other religious faiths.
The Evolution of Sikh Kara Designs with Time
Sikh Karas are now being crafted in several different ways to make them appealing and attune them to modern-day attire, while also keeping the essence of the Karas intact.
One brand that comes to mind which fits the above description is The Turban Shop, an Australian brand that exclusively sells Sikh lifestyle and grooming products all over the world. Their latest offering is the premium Kara Collection with 5 new Karas that look elegant and suave. You can buy Sikhi Karas online from their website. Also, check out their premium turbans collection and all-natural beard care essentials to place an order and have it shipped to any part of the world.
When you are looking to buy Sikhi Karas, do remember the essence they carry. A Kara is meant to be worn at all times; it is a reminder of being a Sikh, a disciple whose life is directed as per the Guru’s teachings.
When you are aware of this you can go for any metal of your liking, and choose the style and design you find the most appealing. There is no dearth of variety when you want to buy Sarbhloh Karas online or in the stores. Wearing a Kara is a humble way of staying true to one’s Sikh identity, and embracing a Sikhi lifestyle.
