Amrit-Dhari

Sikh religious group

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July 17, 2026

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Amrit-Dhari Sikhs are a group within Sikhism who have undergone the amrit sanskar, a ceremony for initiation into the Khalsa. This initiation involves drinking amrit, or "nectar," prepared with water and sweets, stirred with a double-edged sword. Amrit-Dharis are also considered Kes-Dharis, meaning they keep their hair uncut, which is one of the Five Ks, a set of articles of faith.12

All Amrit-Dharis are Kes-Dharis, but not all Kes-Dharis are Amrit-Dharis. This initiated group adheres to the Rahit, a code of conduct, which includes prohibitions against cutting hair, eating halal meat, extramarital sexual relations, and using tobacco. Estimates suggest Amrit-Dharis make up about 15 to 18 percent of all Sikhs.12

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Sikhism
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…these Sikhs are known as Amrit-Dhari Sikhs. They are also, of course, Kes-Dharis. Thus, all Amrit-Dharis are Kes-Dharis, though not all Kes-Dharis are Amrit-Dharis. Here too any estimate of numbers must rely on guesswork, but it is likely that Amrit-Dharis account for 15 to 18 percent of all Sikhs.
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…these Sikhs are known as Amrit-Dhari Sikhs. They are also, of course, Kes-Dharis. Thus, all Amrit-Dharis are Kes-Dharis, though not all Kes-Dharis are Amrit-Dharis. Here too any estimate of numbers must rely on guesswork, but it is likely that Amrit-Dharis account for 15 to 18 percent of all Sikhs.
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