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The Kara literally means a fink: signifying the bond between a Sikh and the Guru (Divine Master).

The kara is circular in shape and is a symbol of restraint. In practice the kara is a constant reminder to the Sikh of ideal behaviour in the event of weakness and thus it must not be confused with jewellery.

A Kara of an adequate size and reasonable thickness should be worn. During sports activities the kara can be covered with a sweat-band.

The Kara as already emphasised is one of the five K's and should not be removed to suit the environment.

The courts have ruled that Sikhs are a "racial group" for the purposes of the Race Relations Act 1976. A rule which operated to forbid the wearing of a Kara, or resulted in, for example, the removal of a person from a football pitch who insisted on wearing one, could be alleged to constitute unlawful indirect discrimination under section 17 of the Act.

Sikh Federation (UK)