Kirpan

The Kirpan (/kɪərˈpɑːn/; Punjabi: ਕਿਰਪਾਨ kirpān) is a ceremonial sword or dagger carried by baptized Sikhs. It is a religious commandment given by Guru Gobind Singh (the tenth Guru of Sikhism) at the Vaisakhi Amrit Sanchar (a holy religious ceremony that formally baptizes a Sikh) in 1699, all baptised Sikhs (Khalsa) must wear a kirpan at all times along with other Articles of Faith. Although not all those who identify themselves as Sikhs carry a kirpan, it is one of the five articles of faith required to be worn by baptized Sikhs.

The word Kirpan has two roots - the first root is: Kirpa, which means "Mercy, grace, compassion, kindness" and the second root is Aan, which in turn means "Honor, grace, dignity".

Sikhs embody the qualities of a "Sant-Sipahie"—a saint-soldier. One must have control over one's internal vices and be able to be constantly immersed in virtues clarified in the Guru Granth Sahib. A Sikh must also have the courage to defend the rights of all who are wrongfully oppressed or persecuted irrespective of their colour, caste or creed.