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Why do initiated Sikhs carry the five articles of faith known as the Five Ks?

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The Golden Temple in Amritsar, India, features gold-covered domes and ornate architecture, surrounded by a large reflective pool with visitors gathered at the entrance. — Sikhism Site of Operation Blue Star, the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab state, India.

Initiated Sikhs, known as the Khalsa, carry the five articles of faith, or Five Ks, as a distinct code established by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. These articles are kesh (uncut hair), kara (a steel bracelet), kangha (a comb), kirpan (a sword), and kachchera (special undergarments). The Five Ks serve as visible symbols of Sikh identity and commitment to the faith, embodying courage and a dedication to Sikh principles. The founding of the Khalsa is considered a pivotal event in Sikh history, alongside the teachings of Guru Nanak and the spiritual authority of the Guru Granth Sahib.1234