Kara

Relationship: Child of im/migrant
Group:
This is how most Kara's look like.
This is how most Kara's look like.

 A Kara is a bracelet worn on your right hand. It is a symbol of protection, Sikh religion, and unbreakable attachment to god. My mother, Harveen, got her Kara when she was very young. She was really excited to get her Kara, especially because she knew she was going to get it from the Golden Temple. The Golden Temple is a beautiful sight in India and the biggest Sikh religious center. The Golden Temple is a place of worship and a spiritual center that welcomes people of all faiths and religions throughout the world. The Kara being circular in shape is believed to represent the circle of life as a circle has no beginning or end, kind of like the eternal nature of God. “My grandma gave me a special one of a kind Kara as a symbol of protection when I was moving to America from India, after my marriage.” This quote is my mom’s favorite memory about her Kara. My mom explained to me that the Kara is a constant reminder to commit only pure deeds and to not do sinful acts. Luckily I was able to learn about the Kara from my parents, grandparents, and by going to the temple. I feel it is important to pass down the Kara to future generations because they should have the freedom to know about the power of the Kara and how it relates to Sikh religion and God.

Place(s): India
Year: 1998

– Sarang

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant