Kesh (Sikhism)

In Sikhism, kesh or kes (Gurmukhi: ਕੇਸ) is the practice of allowing one's hair (usually only referring to the hair on one's head, beard and mustache) to grow naturally without removing it. The practice is one of The Five Kakaars, the outward symbols ordered by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 as a means to profess the Sikh faith. The hair is combed twice daily with a kanga, another of the five Ks, and tied into a simple knot known as a joora or rishi knot. This knot of hair is usually held in place with the kanga and covered by a turban. The 52 commands of Guru Gobind Singh written at Hazur Sahib at Nanded, in the state of Maharashtra, mention that the kesh (hair) should be revered as the form of the Satguru (eternal guru) whom they consider the same as god. For this reason the kesh is kept with the utmost respect. This includes regular maintenance of hair which includes but is not limited to combing at least twice daily, washing regularly and not allowing for public touching.