Kakars are the five symbolic accessories mandatory for a Khalsa (the saint-soldiers in Sikhism). These items serve as a mode of discipline. They were specified by Guru Gobind Singh. The Kakars consists of five ‘k’s; Kachha, Kara, Kirpan, Kesh and Kanga.
Kachha is shorts-like clothing worn under the dress. It basically reminds the person to abstain from adultery. It is also a symbol of freedom, freeing a person from worldly governance.
Kara is a wristband symbolizing restraint from misdeed and devotion to the Guru.
Kirpan is a religious sword representing power and courage. It is meant purely for self-defense.
Kesh means hair. The Guru states that a Sikh person must not shear his hairs, since it occurs naturally in the body, conforming to the will of god. Shearing the hair is thus considered going against the will of the god.
Kanga is a wooden comb. It is a tool meant to keep the hair clean and in shape to maintain the purity.
