kirpan

Sikh religious dress

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 17, 2026

Quick Summary

The kirpan is a sacred dagger worn by initiated Sikhs as one of the five Ks, or articles of faith. The five Ks are kesh (uncut hair), kara (steel bracelet), kangha (comb), kirpan (sword), and kachchera (undergarments). The kirpan symbolizes self-defense, self-respect, and readiness to face challenges. It was instituted by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 as part of the formation of the Khalsa, a purified Sikh community.123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Sikhism
Guru Gobind Singh and the founding of the Khalsa
…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 the late 19th and the early 20th century. The Sikh wedding ceremony, in which the bride and groom walk around the…
Read More
…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 the late 19th and the early 20th century. The Sikh wedding ceremony, in which the bride and groom walk around the…
Read More