practical Sri Guru Gobind Ji , the tenth Guru, invented a unique uniform for Sikhs , in order to give them a discrete identity of their own. Thus in 1699 on the day of Vaisakhi or the Punjabi New Year`s Day on April 13, he gathered and baptized five of his favourite disciples. These men conformed ardently to the system that he had set up and hence were chosen for the purpose. This fraternal group was renamed as "Khalsa" or the "Pure". The baptized men were demanded to possess Five "K"s as the hallmark of their appearance , combinedly known in Punjabi terminology as "Panj Kakke" or" "Panj Kakar". This list includes "kes" or uncut hair, "kanga" or "small comb", "kara" or "circular heavy metal bracelet", "kripan" or "ceremonial short sword" and "kaccha" or "special undergarment".The Five "K"s have utility as well as symbolic implications .

During the ceremony of Baptism ,in 1699 the new surname of "Singh" , meaning "Lion" were conferred upon the brave and helpful Khalsa Sikhs, promoting the general well-being . While the women were bestowed with the title of "Kaur" meaning "Princess" who were always protected by the Khalsa .