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The word Khalsa means pure and it forms an important custom for the Sikhs. The Khalsa Panth is a way of life which every Sikh should follow in order to uphold the virtues of Sikhism. The Khalsa Panth was established by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth guru of the Sikhs, in 1699. The foundation day of Khalsa is celebrated as Vaisakhi by the Sikhs today. All most all the adult members of the Sikh community get initiated into the Khalsa Panth. A member gets initiated into the Khalsa Panth through a ceremony of baptism known as Amrit Sanchar. As a Sikh gets introduced to the Khalsa Panth he or she earns the name Singh and Kaur respectively. All the Khalsa Sikhs are supposed to bear the five Ks which embodies the Khalsa identity. The five Ks include Kesh (uncut hair), Kirpan (sword), Kanghi (wooden comb), Kara (bracelet) and Kachha (garment). The five Ks borne by the Khalsa Sikhs are not just outward symbols but they signify the commitment which the Khalsa Sikh has towards the Sikh community.
The Khalsa Panth is also an embodiment of brotherhood among the members of the Sikh community. Not only the Khalsa Panth dissipates the spirit of brotherhood but also gives the member the strength to protect the innocent and to punish the prosecutor. Hence it can be said that being closely associated with the Khalsa Panth is a way to adhere to the Sikh customs.
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