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Summary of Question:	Re Kara Size
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Friday, 7/01/2005 1:53 PM MDT

Originally the Kara was used as a close combat weapon along with the Kirpan. They were large to deflect blows from Swords and also taken off to make close combat blows.

Modern light thin karas, perhaps introduced to neuter the warrior spirit of the Sikhs by the British, or perhaps just seen as more "practical" for day to day work, are not how they were in Guru Sahib's times. They are more akin to bracelets. The Kara is also a handcuff to Guru Sahib - how can it be a handcuff if it is as light as a lady's bracelet! I think it is unfair to say those who wear Karas true to how Guru Gobind Singh told them to be, are trying to "show off". In the same way, those who wear knee length kachere, etc, are not trying to "show off" but are maintaining the traditions of how Sikhi really was.

Sorry if I have offended anyone but these are the facts.

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reply
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Sat nam. Arguing over kara size is pointless and only serves to highlight fanaticism, which is not a trait of a Gursikh. I know people who cannot wear a lot of metal, or are ALLERGIC to the metal of karas. Having the option to wear a very thin kara is a blessing.
While the kara was in part designed as a weapon, it is indeed also the equivalent of a wedding ring to God & Guru. One's kara size is unimportant. What is important is one's relationship to Guru, no matter the kara size, the arm used, or the style. Guru ang sang,
-DKK