Why is keeping Kesh (hair) important in Sikhism? सिख धर्म में केश (बाल) रखना क्यों महत्वपूर्ण है?

Respected Brother/Sister,
Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh!

In Sikhism, the Five Ks (Pañj Kakārs) are: kesh (unshorn hair), kangha (a comb for the kesh, usually wooden), kara (a bracelet, usually made of iron or steel), kachera (a white undergarment), and kirpan (a small sword of any size, shape or metal.

The Five Ks are not just symbols, but articles of faith that collectively form the external identity and the Khalsa devotee’s commitment to the Sikh Rehni, ‘Sikh way of life’. A Sikh who has taken Pahul is required to keep all the five Ks, being the command of Tenth Guru Person, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib.

Further, please be kind to read the following Pangti of Shabad of Fifth Guru Person, Guru Arjun Sahib, in Raag Maru, which is located at Panna 1083-84 of Guru Granth Sahib:-

ਨਾਪਾਕ ਪਾਕੁ ਕਰਿ ਹਦੂਰਿ ਹਦੀਸਾ ਸਾਬਤ ਸੂਰਤਿ ਦਸਤਾਰ ਸਿਰਾ ॥੧੨॥ {ਪੰਨਾ 1084}

ਪਦ ਅਰਥ: ਸਾਬਤ ਸੂਰਤਿ = (ਸੁੰਨਤਿ, ਲਬਾਂ ਕੱਟਣ ਆਦਿਕ ਦੀ ਸ਼ਰਹ ਨਾਹ ਕਰ ਕੇ) ਸਰੀਰ ਨੂੰ ਜਿਉਂ ਕਾ ਤਿਉਂ ਰੱਖਣਾ। ਦਸਤਾਰ ਸਿਰਾ = ਸਿਰ ਉਤੇ ਦਸਤਾਰ (ਦਾ ਕਾਰਨ ਬਣਦੀ ਹੈ) , ਇੱਜ਼ਤ-ਆਦਰ ਦਾ ਵਸੀਲਾ ਹੈ।12।

ਅਰਥ: (ਸੁੰਨਤਿ, ਲਬਾਂ ਕਟਾਣ ਆਦਿਕ ਸ਼ਰਹ ਨੂੰ ਛੱਡ ਕੇ) ਆਪਣੀ ਸ਼ਕਲ ਨੂੰ ਜਿਉਂ ਕਾ ਤਿਉਂ ਰੱਖ = ਇਹ (ਲੋਕ ਪਰਲੋਕ ਵਿਚ) ਇੱਜ਼ਤ-ਆਦਰ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਵਸੀਲਾ ਬਣ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ।12।

In this Guru Sahib is teaching that one is not to disturb the appearance given by Akalpurakh. Rather, keeping it as it is a way to get respect. Therefore, one has to get convinced about remaining in Akalpurakh’s Hukam and maintaining the Sikhi Saroop.

However, cutting live hair (Kesh) amounts to fighting throughout one’s life with Akalpurakh, because the Kesh will continue to grow daily. Therefore, it is upto a person to remain in peace or continue the fight with Akalpurakh, all through the life. One has to make a choice.

Hope it helps. If you have any further questions, please do ask. If there are any shortcomings please do point out the same for improvement in future.

Regards,
Your Brother