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Kes-Dhari
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Kes-Dhari

Sikh religious group
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Quick Summary

The Kes-Dhari are a significant group within Sikhism who adhere to the practice of keeping uncut hair (kes), which is one of the Five Ks. While not all Kes-Dharis observe all Five Ks, they typically wear a steel bracelet (kara) and men have beards and wear a Sikh turban. Many Kes-Dharis, though not formally initiated into the Khalsa, are considered and consider themselves Khalsa Sikhs.1

The Khalsa itself is a casteless order of Sikhs instituted by Guru Gobind Singh, embodying courage and commitment to Sikh principles. Initiation into the Khalsa involves a ceremony with sweetened water (amrit) and adherence to a code of conduct, including the observance of the Five Ks: kes (uncut hair), kara (steel bracelet), kangha (comb), kirpan (sword), and kachchera (undergarments).2

In contrast, Sahaj-Dharis are Sikhs who do not wear uncut hair and may not follow other Rahit injunctions. The term sahaj-dhari may refer to those who adopt Sikh practices gradually.1

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. Sikhism - Other groups
  2. Khalsa
  3. Sikhism - Sects

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