kes

Sikh religious practice

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July 17, 2026

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Kes refers to the practice of wearing uncut hair, which is a requirement for Sikhs initiated into the Khalsa, a distinct Sikh order. This practice is one of the Five Ks, a set of articles of faith worn by initiated Sikhs. While not all Sikhs adhere to all Five Ks, wearing uncut hair is a significant identifier for many, particularly those who are Kes-Dhari. This group includes men with beards and turbans, and women who also keep their hair uncut. The kes are a visible symbol of Sikh identity and commitment to the faith.1

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Sikhism
Guru Gobind Singh and the founding of the Khalsa
…wearing of the “Five Ks”—kes or kesh (uncut hair), kangha (comb), kachha (short trousers), kara (steel bracelet), and kirpan (ceremonial sword)—did not become an obligation of all Sikhs until the establishment of the Singh Sabha, a religious and educational reform movement of
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…wearing of the “Five Ks”—kes or kesh (uncut hair), kangha (comb), kachha (short trousers), kara (steel bracelet), and kirpan (ceremonial sword)—did not become an obligation of all Sikhs until the establishment of the Singh Sabha, a religious and educational reform movement of
Read More