From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kaccha - one of the five articles of faith for the Sikhs

Kachera/Kaccha (Punjabi: ਕਛ) are undershorts/an undergarment which looks similar to boxer shorts.

It is one of the five Sikh articles of faith, called the Khalsa, and was given as a gift of love by Guru Gobind Singh at the Baisakhi Amrit Sanchar in 1699 and worn by all baptized Sikh. Kaccha must be worn by all baptised Sikhs (Khalsa), after a mandatory religious commandment given by Guru Gobind Singh (the tenth Guru of Sikhism) in 1699 AD. Both males and females Sikhs wear very similar under-garments. This was one of five articles of faith, collectively called Kakars, that form the external visible symbols to clearly and outwardly display one's commitment and dedication to the order (Hukam) of the tenth master.

This Kakar was given by Guru Gobind Singh to remind his Sikhs that they should control their sexual desire, Kam (lust). The Kacha is a long underwear that comes to just above the knees and is supposed to give a feeling of dignity, modesty and honour to the person who wears it. The garment is usually made from white light-weight cotton material. It served to cover the person's private parts as well as remind Sikhs of the Guru's message to think of the opposite sex as they would think of their other family members and not as objects. The Kaccha 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 one is about to do. The Guru reminds the believer how, while remembering the Lord, sexual desire can be overcome, thus:

"Through the Kind and Compassionate True Guru, I have met the Lord; I have conquered sexual desire, anger and greed." (Guru Granth Sahib page 81)

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. Further, this garment allows the Sikh soldier to operate in combat freely and without any hindrance or restriction. It serves its purpose efficiently and effectively and is easy to fabricate, maintain, wash and carry compared to other under-garments of the day, like the dhoti, etc.

Gurbani reminds the Sikh to renounce worldly desire and seek the sanctuary of the Lord thus: "Renouncing sexual desire, anger, flattery and slander, they enter the Sanctuary of God." (Guru Granth Sahib page 469)