il_sikh
SPNer
gurkipreet kaur
SPNer
- Mar 30, 2006
- 11
- 0
waheguru ji kakhalsa waheguru ji ki fateh
as far as i know
they are made in special way
...no white boxerz! lol
as far as i know
they are made in special way
...no white boxerz! lolmy opinion on this is simple. Kesh, kara, kirpan, kanga, kachera all symbolize something important. Understanding the concept of it is more important than worry about whether your kanga is made of beech wood or oak (hehe)...kachera is used to cover the body, because in the gurus period the bahmans dressed like gandhi..all exposed in skimpy rags (to present simplicity?)..the reason why Sri guru gobind singh ji said it was important for his sikhs to present themselves in a respectful manor, and to make sikhs realise that dressing in such way wouldnt get you to vaheguru (it was a waste of time)
Worrying about materials etc is way too superficial, remember waheguru is anything and everything, god wont judge you as a "lost-follower" if you wear boxer-shorts. There are a lot of pakandee's out there claiming you should only wear steel kara n so fourth...remember gods infinite power and presence and you will soon come to realise the "significance" of your question
hope it helped
ps. im a sikh (19 years of age) i took amrit with my father- but i was only 5. although i keep uncut hair and believe in the guru's word, everything i have learnt about sikhi has been from my beloved father, im sure there are plenty of other people who can help you.. I think the best thing to do is ask yourself the question and try to answer it using common sense rather than asking for peoples (mixed) views...after all sikhi is common sense we are just to egoistic and arrogant to realise it
bol chuk maaf
Worrying about materials etc is way too superficial, remember waheguru is anything and everything, god wont judge you as a "lost-follower" if you wear boxer-shorts. There are a lot of pakandee's out there claiming you should only wear steel kara n so fourth...remember gods infinite power and presence and you will soon come to realise the "significance" of your question
hope it helped
ps. im a sikh (19 years of age) i took amrit with my father- but i was only 5. although i keep uncut hair and believe in the guru's word, everything i have learnt about sikhi has been from my beloved father, im sure there are plenty of other people who can help you.. I think the best thing to do is ask yourself the question and try to answer it using common sense rather than asking for peoples (mixed) views...after all sikhi is common sense
we are just to egoistic and arrogant to realise it bol chuk maaf
WJKK WJKF
Sorry, I'm going off the topic itself, but always thought that Kara should sarab Loha (pure iron). I'll be honest that I do not know any quotes from the Guru Granth Sahib to support this.
I've seen many weddings where the groom is given a gold Kara from his father-in-law and I don't personally agree with them.
Sorry, I'm going off the topic itself, but always thought that Kara should sarab Loha (pure iron). I'll be honest that I do not know any quotes from the Guru Granth Sahib to support this.
I've seen many weddings where the groom is given a gold Kara from his father-in-law and I don't personally agree with them.
- Jan 17, 2007
- 67
- 8
Re: Kachera
The following is a general viewpoint of the undergarment known as Kachera.
Kachera is an essentially an undergarment and is made from cotton material. The significance of the Kachera worn by a Sikh is that it is a halfway mark garment between a trouser and a conventional underwear (or Boxer short). It usually runs almost up to the knee level. It is the only most dignified undergarment that is worn by a Sikh or Khalsa in in public without wearing over a trouser or a pyjama etc.
The Kachera is also known as a “Rave Kachera” or “Barekaan Wala Kachera”. The name “Rave Kachera” comes from the fact that the cloth it is turned diagonally (i.e. at 45 degrees to the direction it has been woven) and sewn together to form a tube which is then further shaped. Hence the word Rave(diagonal). The name “Barekaan Wala Kachera” comes from the fact that unlike a conventional boxer short, when you sit down on your feet you will almost expose your genitals. Whereas the “Barekaan Wala Kachera”, because the way it is cut and sewn together, it clings to your thighs as if it has put the breaks on hence giving the wearer a dignified appearance. The leg opening closes up tight against the thighs.
Why invent the special Kachera for the Sikhs? In fact the kachera predates Sikh history and has its roots back to the times on “Ram”. There main reason for the existence of this particular design is that during the times of our Gurus the “Sikh Worrior” had to be ready for battle at all times (Tyaar ber Tyaaar). The Sikh warrior did not have the time to change clothes if attacked at any hour of the day or night. The Kachera allowed the Sikh warrior to operate in combat freely and without any hindrance or restriction. Sikhs fought many battles only wearing this undergarment. The Kachera thus plays a very important part in Sikhs daily life. A Sikh Warrior is always ready to go into action. The Kachera is thus an important part of a Sikh attire.
The following is a general viewpoint of the undergarment known as Kachera.
Kachera is an essentially an undergarment and is made from cotton material. The significance of the Kachera worn by a Sikh is that it is a halfway mark garment between a trouser and a conventional underwear (or Boxer short). It usually runs almost up to the knee level. It is the only most dignified undergarment that is worn by a Sikh or Khalsa in in public without wearing over a trouser or a pyjama etc.
The Kachera is also known as a “Rave Kachera” or “Barekaan Wala Kachera”. The name “Rave Kachera” comes from the fact that the cloth it is turned diagonally (i.e. at 45 degrees to the direction it has been woven) and sewn together to form a tube which is then further shaped. Hence the word Rave(diagonal). The name “Barekaan Wala Kachera” comes from the fact that unlike a conventional boxer short, when you sit down on your feet you will almost expose your genitals. Whereas the “Barekaan Wala Kachera”, because the way it is cut and sewn together, it clings to your thighs as if it has put the breaks on hence giving the wearer a dignified appearance. The leg opening closes up tight against the thighs.
Why invent the special Kachera for the Sikhs? In fact the kachera predates Sikh history and has its roots back to the times on “Ram”. There main reason for the existence of this particular design is that during the times of our Gurus the “Sikh Worrior” had to be ready for battle at all times (Tyaar ber Tyaaar). The Sikh warrior did not have the time to change clothes if attacked at any hour of the day or night. The Kachera allowed the Sikh warrior to operate in combat freely and without any hindrance or restriction. Sikhs fought many battles only wearing this undergarment. The Kachera thus plays a very important part in Sikhs daily life. A Sikh Warrior is always ready to go into action. The Kachera is thus an important part of a Sikh attire.
Kellysingh
SPNer
- Sep 28, 2011
- 41
- 32
- 41
what size kacheras would i wear? site i found some on were only in 14 and 16. i live in the USA and im 5'11, 133lbs. do these kacheras have draw strings to pull tight or keep them on?
Kachcheras are generally free size. But I think you should take the size 16 so that they come down to your knees. Yes they have draw strings.
Kellysingh
SPNer
- Sep 28, 2011
- 41
- 32
- 41
ok ty for info. idk how properly say ty as a sikh. still student.
still student.
Hahaha all is well. All the best!
- May 9, 2006
- 3,261
- 5,192
Are kachera so baggy as to be noticable under regular Western office wear (slacks / trousers)?
I have been pondering how to add kachera to my wardrobe but most of my other clothing is probably tight enough that the bulk of the kachera would then be obvious. Please don't think I wear immodest clothing, I wear regular clothing for my town which is modest but probably too tight for kachera, is what I'm trying to say.
Obviously there would be no issue if we always wore salwar kameez, but that is not yet practical for me.
Is the design of kachera for females different from that for males?
Is the kachera more relevant in the context of some rehat maryada's I've seen where the wearing of pyjama pants or trousers is prohibited? (or perhaps I read it wrong as that seems a bit odd).
Thanks
Ishna
I have been pondering how to add kachera to my wardrobe but most of my other clothing is probably tight enough that the bulk of the kachera would then be obvious. Please don't think I wear immodest clothing, I wear regular clothing for my town which is modest but probably too tight for kachera, is what I'm trying to say.
Obviously there would be no issue if we always wore salwar kameez, but that is not yet practical for me.
Is the design of kachera for females different from that for males?
Is the kachera more relevant in the context of some rehat maryada's I've seen where the wearing of pyjama pants or trousers is prohibited? (or perhaps I read it wrong as that seems a bit odd).
Thanks
Ishna
Isna Ji I think what they represent is more important than actual design.
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Hmm yes they are generally baggy. I think they can be worn easily under jeans and thick cotton trousers. Design of kachchera is not different for men, women but its best to have them custom made if you can.
PS: Many people face this problem and learn to stitch them.
PS: Many people face this problem and learn to stitch them.
The best place for kachera is to talk to your Sikh friends about Kachera as i've allways been above to find someone who's wife/mother/sister/grandmother etc is more than willing to make kachera as you whant them as i have size issues with shop bought Kachera the size issues being with me at over 6ft and 350 pounds and 40 inch thighs nobody makes kachera in "Man-mountain" sizes to fit a giant lump like me!! so yes ask with your Singh brothers or sisters and you will find a "Nanaji" with a sewing machine who will be happy to make Kachera the way you want them
:redturban:
:redturban:
BhagatSingh
SPNer
- Apr 24, 2006
- 2,921
- 1,655
Contary to what most people believe, a kachhera is not an underwear. They are shorts. Before the kachera, a very similar legwear existed called a dhoti. A kachera keeps the shape and comfort of the dhoti but makes it easier to wear. Dhoti is wrapped, whereas a kachera is stiched together and worn like shorts. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rajpoots_2.png - dhoti
http://www.sikh-heritage.co.uk/movements/Nihangs/nihang4.jpg - kachhera
Now if you really want to wear a kachera and another unecessary pair of pants over them
then it is possible to get kacheras that are small leave 1/2 to 2/3 of the thigh uncovered that can be worn like an underwear under anything.
http://www.sikh-heritage.co.uk/movements/Nihangs/nihang4.jpg - kachhera
Now if you really want to wear a kachera and another unecessary pair of pants over them
then it is possible to get kacheras that are small leave 1/2 to 2/3 of the thigh uncovered that can be worn like an underwear under anything.
- May 9, 2006
- 3,261
- 5,192
Are kachera necessary in this day and age? If the purpose was to give a Sikh a dignified appearance since the other clothing available at the time was not sufficient, what do we think now that clothing design and availability has changed?
If the shorts were in fact to be worn by themselves in Guru Gobind Singh's day (with a top, I believe), then what of the women? Did they get around in shorts as well? Or did they wear their salwar over the top of their kachera? Or did they not wear kachera?
I don't think there's an answer to this question because we have no records. If we do, please show me.
Ish
If the shorts were in fact to be worn by themselves in Guru Gobind Singh's day (with a top, I believe), then what of the women? Did they get around in shorts as well? Or did they wear their salwar over the top of their kachera? Or did they not wear kachera?
I don't think there's an answer to this question because we have no records. If we do, please show me.
Ish
BhagatSingh
SPNer
- Apr 24, 2006
- 2,921
- 1,655
It was never about appearance. In Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, inner condition comes first, appearances come and go.
Women did not wear these. Dhoti, the precursor to kachhera, is male clothing. Sikh women would wear salwar kameez, ghagra choli or sari, instead. They wouldn't wear turbans either (though one image shows a keski). They would have a chunni that covered their heads in public or in front of elders.
Here, there are some old sketches and paintings. Some modern ones in the mix, but they are easily discernable.
http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-heritage/33464-dedicated-all-sikh-women-photo-essay.html
I dont think they wore underwears in those days. They are only necessary if you wear tight clothing with uncomfortable fabric, like jeans, or miniskirts...
With dhoti, lungi, kachhera, pajama, chola, salwar kameez, ghagra choli and sari, etc underwears are rather unnecesary.
Women did not wear these. Dhoti, the precursor to kachhera, is male clothing. Sikh women would wear salwar kameez, ghagra choli or sari, instead. They wouldn't wear turbans either (though one image shows a keski). They would have a chunni that covered their heads in public or in front of elders.
Here, there are some old sketches and paintings. Some modern ones in the mix, but they are easily discernable.
http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-heritage/33464-dedicated-all-sikh-women-photo-essay.html
I dont think they wore underwears in those days. They are only necessary if you wear tight clothing with uncomfortable fabric, like jeans, or miniskirts...
With dhoti, lungi, kachhera, pajama, chola, salwar kameez, ghagra choli and sari, etc underwears are rather unnecesary.
- May 9, 2006
- 3,261
- 5,192
There is one very good reason for females between the ages of about 10 and 50 to wear underwear...
Bhagat ji, my understanding of kachera was that they maintain the Sikh's dignified appearance no matter how his body is (crouching, running, lying down with his legs in the air, climbing a tree, etc). A second meaning given to the kachera is as a reminder of good sexual conduct. And not to get food poisoning because I dare say they're tricky to remove in times of emergency...!
I'm trying to figure out then, what Singhni's need to wear? It seems the Khalsa uniform is for men. What about Khalsa women? It hurts me to know us women have to wear men's clothes to 'advance spiritually'. Perhaps that's just a flaw in my perception.
Bhagat ji, my understanding of kachera was that they maintain the Sikh's dignified appearance no matter how his body is (crouching, running, lying down with his legs in the air, climbing a tree, etc). A second meaning given to the kachera is as a reminder of good sexual conduct. And not to get food poisoning because I dare say they're tricky to remove in times of emergency...!
I'm trying to figure out then, what Singhni's need to wear? It seems the Khalsa uniform is for men. What about Khalsa women? It hurts me to know us women have to wear men's clothes to 'advance spiritually'. Perhaps that's just a flaw in my perception.
BhagatSingh
SPNer
- Apr 24, 2006
- 2,921
- 1,655
Ishna ji Indian clothing in general maintains an Indian's dignified appearance. Private parts remain concealed even if you dont wear an underwear under Indian clothes.
About that one good reason. Hmm... i am not sure how Indian women handled it back in the day. But a kachhera will not help you there.
IMO clothes will not advance you spiritually. Just do a search on srigranth.org on "turban" and you'll know what I mean.
Singhs and Singhnis back then just wore what people wore those days, they were concerned with greater things. So just wear what is comfortable and move on. It's not a big deal.
About that one good reason. Hmm... i am not sure how Indian women handled it back in the day. But a kachhera will not help you there.
IMO clothes will not advance you spiritually. Just do a search on srigranth.org on "turban" and you'll know what I mean.
Singhs and Singhnis back then just wore what people wore those days, they were concerned with greater things. So just wear what is comfortable and move on. It's not a big deal.
I guess they wore kachheras with long cholas on top of it. And the cloth was thicker than what we find today, an understanding in making Kachhera from shorts to under garment.
- May 9, 2006
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Thanks for the clarifying statement on Indian clothing, ji. I'm only going on what I've read about kachera so far. Perhaps I haven't been reading the right sources.
And I may have worded my spiritual advancement comment wrong. What I'm trying to convey is that becoming Khalsa is seen as a more devout state within the Sikh panth. That is my understanding. And to be Khalsa, you have to wear the uniform. And the uniform is for men - there is no separate uniform for women that I can tell, so we wear the male uniform. Which includes the male shorts. Which become an undergarment for women and, these days, most men who wear pants over their shorts.
So the question really needs to be, what is the purpose of kachera and how should they be constructed to a) still be kachera and b) be worn as an undergarment?
And I may have worded my spiritual advancement comment wrong. What I'm trying to convey is that becoming Khalsa is seen as a more devout state within the Sikh panth. That is my understanding. And to be Khalsa, you have to wear the uniform. And the uniform is for men - there is no separate uniform for women that I can tell, so we wear the male uniform. Which includes the male shorts. Which become an undergarment for women and, these days, most men who wear pants over their shorts.
So the question really needs to be, what is the purpose of kachera and how should they be constructed to a) still be kachera and b) be worn as an undergarment?
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