Week 5 · The Khalsa · Day 31
The Five Kakars — Kesh and Kanga
Kakar means something that begins with the letter K — and the five articles of faith Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave to the Khalsa all start with K. Today we look at the first two: Kesh, the uncut hair that honours the form the Creator gave us, and Kanga, the small wooden comb worn in the hair as a reminder of cleanliness and order. Together, these two say something simple and beautiful: the body is a gift, and we take care of gifts. Wearing these articles of faith in daily life is a living, visible act of devotion.
The Five Kakars are five articles of faith that Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave to the Khalsa — each one with a meaning as deep as it is practical.
Watch together Dream Big Little Singh Gurmukhi minute Trace today's letter — ਯ Yayya ਨਾਨਕ ਇਸੁ ਦੇਹੀ ਵਿਚਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ਹੈ; ਪਾਈਐ ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਹੇਤਿ ਅਪਾਰਿ ॥
Naanak is dehee vich naam nidhaan hai; paa-ee-ai gur kai het apaar.
“Within this body is the treasure of the Name, O Nanak — it is found through unbounded love for the Guru.”
Ask: 'Why would the Guru give us something to wear, not just something to believe? What does it feel like to carry a visible sign of faith?'
Loving these stories?
Read the full illustrated books, or practise as play in the free games app.