The five articles of faith (the 'Five Ks') prescribed for initiated Sikhs of the Khalsa include:

The "Five Ks" (panj kakaar) are the five articles of faith that every initiated Sikh of the Khalsa must wear at all times.

The Five Ks:

• "Kesh": uncut hair, a symbol of acceptance of God's will and of spirituality; Sikh men usually cover it with a turban (dastar).
• "Kangha": a small wooden comb, a symbol of cleanliness and order; it is kept in the hair.
• "Kara": a steel bracelet worn on the wrist, a symbol of the eternal bond with God and a reminder to do good deeds.
• "Kachera": a special cotton undergarment, a symbol of self-control and chastity.
• "Kirpan": a small sword or dagger, a symbol of the duty to protect the weak and to fight against injustice.

Origin:

The Five Ks were prescribed by Guru Gobind Singh when he founded the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib on Baisakhi day in 1699.

The founding of the Khalsa:

• According to tradition, at a large gathering, the Guru asked for a volunteer willing to give his head.
• Five men came forward, one by one: Daya Ram, Dharam Das, Himmat Rai, Mohkam Chand and Sahib Chand.
• They were initiated with "amrit" (sweetened water stirred with a double-edged sword) and became the first members of the Khalsa, known as the "Panj Pyare" (Five Beloved Ones).
• They came from different castes and regions, showing the equality of all.
• The Guru himself was then initiated by them.

Rules of the Khalsa:

• Members were to wear the Five Ks.
• They were to avoid tobacco, intoxicants and certain other practices.
• Men took the surname "Singh" (lion) and women "Kaur" (princess).
• The Khalsa was to be a community of saint-soldiers.

Legal recognition in India:

• The Constitution of India (Explanation I to Article 25) states that the wearing and carrying of kirpans shall be deemed to be included in the profession of the Sikh religion.
• Good to know
• The other combinations include items that are not among the Five Ks.