Dumalla - Royal Turban
The Keski/Dumalla is the royal turban of the Sikhs and is one of the Panj Kakaar (5 Gifts). The Dumalla is very precious to Sikhs as it represents their crown. In a time where wearing a turban was banned by the tyrant Mughal empire, the Guru ordered Sikhs to wear more than one turban and have them as big and defiant as possible.
Kesh - Uncut Hair
Kesh is maintaining uncut hair all over the body. It is considered the stamp of God as it grows naturally, and not cutting it requires accepting His Will. As well as this, it also has a spiritual basis and aids in meditation.
Farla - Battle Standard
Every battalion must have a battle standard to identify themselves. This battle standard can be seen outside of every Sikh temple and is known as a Nishaan Sahib. The philosophy of the Gurus was so great that when the tyrant Mughal empire started to cut these Nishaan Sahibs down outside of our temples, the Guru ordered that the top generals of each battalion must adorn a ‘Farla’ seen in the picture. This represents a walking, breathing and living battle standard and was a defiant move by the Guru to signify the independence of Sikhs. These can still be seen adorned on the top generals today in the Northern region of India, The Punjab.
Kanga - Wooden Comb
Sikhs also have a Kanga (wooden comb) as a part of the Panj Kakaar, which is kept in the Kesh of a Sikh. This represents cleanliness and purity of a Sikh. The Kesh should be combed with this Kanga twice a day.
Shaster - Holy Weapon
This Shaster (holy weapon) is called a Tulvaar (curved sword). Shaster are considered Peer (spiritual elders) by the Sikhs, and are worshipped for this reason. Shaster are the destroyer of evil and hence treated with utmost respect. There are other types of Shaster, including the Naagni Barsha (spear) seen in the picture. They are never to be used for the unrighteous killing of man but rather used to kill tyranny and oppression.
Kamar Kassa - Waist Band
This is wrapped around the waist to ensure readiness and defeat laziness as it keeps the body upright and tyaar bur tyaar (ready for anything).
Kara - Iron Bangle
This is also one of the Panj Kakaar (5 Gifts), which represents God’s eternal nature of having no beginning or end. It is used as a reminder to commit to virtuous actions, and represents the submission to The Timeless Being.
Kashera – Undergarments
Underneath the Chola (warrior robes) will be a Kashera (undergarment) which is another of the Panj Kakaars. The Kashera, long and loose in nature are not only designed for war but to also ward off any lustful thoughts and enforce the idea of humility.
Kirpan - Blessed Dagger
This is the last of the Panj Kakkar. It is a blessed dagger to remind Sikhs of their duty to fight against injustice of any sort. This is in the name as Kirpan translates to “Blessing” and therefore reminds of the fact that to use the dagger for any unrighteous act is considered a major sin.