Kara (Sikhism)

. Singh explained:

"He does not recognize anyone else except One Lord, not even the bestowal of charities, performance of merciful acts, austerities and restraint on pilgrim-stations; the perfect light of the Lord illuminates his heart, then consider him as the immaculate Khalsa." [Guru Gobind Singh in the Dasam Granth, page 1350]

The Kara is to constantly remind the Sikh to always remember that whatever he or she does with their hands has to be in keeping with the advice given by the Guru. As the Sikhs' holy text the Guru Granth Sahib says "In the tenth month, you were made into a human being, O my merchant friend, and you were given your allotted time to perform good deeds." [Guru Granth Sahib, page 76] Similarly, Bhagat Kabir reminds the Sikh to always keep one's consciousness with God: "With your hands and feet, do all your work, but let your consciousness remain with the Immaculate Lord." [||213|| - Guru Granth Sahib, page 1376]

Apart from Sikhs, Karas are also worn by many people in or from Punjab, for example Hindus from some castes. Since Hindus and Muslims are in general not required to wear Karas, they may instead wear Kangans, bracelets with a hinge or gap on one side; furthermore, these may be made of materials other than iron.

References

ee also

* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7529694.stm BBC (2008-07-29): Sikh girl wins bangle (Kara) law battle]