Khalsa

Khalsa which means 'Pure' is the name given by Guru Gobind Singh to all Sikhs who have been baptised or Initiation by taking Amrit in ceremony called Amrit Parchar. The first time that this ceremony took place was on Baisakhi, which fell on 30 March 1699 at Anandpur Sahib in India. The Sikhs celebrated the 300th anniversary of the day in 1999 with thousands of religions gathering all over the world.

Historically, the first male child of all families of Hindus in the Punjab was ordained as a Sikh.

The Khalsa must carry the 5Ks – Five Kakkars – Kara steel bangle, Kesh –uncut hair, Kirpan – (Kirpa (act of kindness, sanskrit) + Aan (self respect, persian) sword (the length cannot be limited), Kanga – small comb and Kacha – Shorts/Pants

All Sikhs were taught to treat all in the community as equals; no distinction was made of the different tiers of 'craftsmen' and professions.

To learn more about Sikhs - See Sikhism Sikh or Sikh Sites