ikhs look different from the majority of the population and can be easily identified because they wear turbans and grow their beards long. In this article, we will briefly look at why Sikhs wear turbans and let their beards grow long. 

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The Ninth Guru Sahib Ji’s Martyrdom

In 1675, the Ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji sacrificed His life for the principle of religious freedom. Many Sikhs who were present in Delhi at the time of Guru Sahib Ji’s martyrdom denied that they were Sikhs. Their physical fear of death had made them forget their spiritual commitment to live without fear. Then the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji (the successor and son of the Ninth Guru) vowed that He would give Sikhs a unique identity, so they could be recognizable in large crowds and stay faithful. In 1699, Guru Sahib Ji tested His Sikhs to see who would follow His path even if it meant death.

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Unique Identity 

The collective of committed Sikhs who passed the test was given the status of Guru Khalsa, the Guru’s own body. All Khalsa (men and women) are ordered to stand out. The turban and uncut hair are part of this unique appearance. The Khalsa is armed and ever-ready to defend others from injustice and oppression. Khalsa Sikhs have a daily spiritual discipline of Naam (connection to the Divine) and are forbidden any intoxicants or sex outside of marriage. 

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To conclude, the Khalsa collective is the Eternal physical embodiment of the Guru, and Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the Eternal spiritual embodiment.