Kachera

Kachera/Kacha: Undershorts.

One of the five Sikh articles of faith, given as gifts of love by Guru Gobind Singh, worn by a baptized Sikh, called the Khalsa. Both males and females Sikhs wear very similar under-garments.

This Kakar was given by Guru Gobind Singh to remind his Sikhs that they should control their sexual desire, Kam. The Kacha is long underwear that comes to just above the knees and give dignity, modest and honour to the person. The garment is usually made from white light-weight cotton material. It served to cover the person private parts as well as remind Sikhs of the Guru's message to think of the opposite sex as they would think of family members and not objects. The Kacha is secured and tied with a "nala" (drawstring). This serves as another reminder that when one is untying the drawstring one is given time to think about what ones is about to do.

The Kacha is the Guru's gift and it reminds the Sikhs of the Guru's message regarding the control of the Five Evils especially lust.