In this dark age of Kalyug, the Sikh identity, once shining brightly with divine grace, is under constant threat. Many Sikhs today are seen abandoning their sacred Kes (unshorn hair), becoming apostates. Even among those who maintain their Kes, a concerning practice has spread – tying their beards to resemble so-called ‘gentlemen’ of the world.
Some Sikhs believe that since they are not cutting their beards, they are still following Guru Sahib’s Hukam. However, by tying the beard and altering the natural Gurmukhi appearance gifted by Guru Sahib, they unknowingly dishonour their divine form. While not a complete apostasy, this act weakens the spirit and disobeys the essence of Guru Sahib’s command. When seekers come to receive Amrit during an Amrit Sanchaar, the Panj Pyaare bless only those who present themselves in full Gurmukhi Baana, with open beards and distinct Sikh appearance, not those who come wearing t-shirts, jeans, and tied beards.
Chemicals used to tie beards, like Fixo, harm the hair – they weaken and damage the sacred Kes.
While tying, the hairs can get pulled or even break, which is a disrespect to the sanctity of the Kes given by Guru Sahib.
A tied beard gives an appearance similar to a trimmed beard, which goes against the natural, Gurmukhi look that Guru Sahib blessed Sikhs with.
Tying the beard shows a weakness of Khalsa spirit, as it often comes from fear of society or desire to fit in, rather than living boldly with Guru Sahib’s roop.
Some Sikhs try to justify tying their beard by saying that it is not a Bajjar Kurehit, so it is acceptable. But this logic is deeply flawed. Just because something isn’t explicitly listed as a Bajjar Kurehit doesn’t make it acceptable. For example, dishonesty isn’t considered a Bajjar Kurehit either, but that doesn’t mean Sikhs are allowed to lie. Sikhi is about living truthfully and obeying Guru Sahib’s every command, not just avoiding Bajjar Kurehits.
Some also try to give examples of certain Gursikh saints who tied their beards. But they forget that no Gursikh, no matter how respected, is above Guru Sahib or Guru Sahib’s Hukam. No Gursikh can claim to be perfect; we are all humble disciples of Guru Sahib. The goal of a Sikh should be to humbly follow each and every Hukam of Guru Sahib as best as possible, not to find excuses by looking at others’ shortcomings.
Historically, tying the beard was not a custom among Sikhs during Guru Sahib’s times or even throughout the 18th century when Sikhs fought valiantly from the jungles. This bad habit crept into the Panth later when Maharaja Sher Singh, son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, introduced it. It spread further when the British, during their rule, made it mandatory for Sikh soldiers in the army to tie their beards. Over time, this imitative custom, born from colonial pressures and courtly desires for luxurious living, took root among the Sikhs.
The original spirit of Khalsa was far from such worldly compromises. In fact, when Sikhs under British rule were forced to tie their beards, many defied the orders and proudly kept their beards open, earning the title of “DaahRa Bahadar” (the brave ones with open beards) in Gurmat samagams.
A tied beard gives an appearance similar to a trimmed beard. When a Gurmukh, blessed with an open flowing beard, ties it, he silently expresses dissatisfaction with the look gifted by Guru Sahib, desiring instead the trimmed and ‘polished’ look of worldly men. This is a sign of falling spiritual strength.
Guru Sahib’s Hukam was clear – keep your beard natural and flowing. Tying it to fit into worldly standards or to appease personal vanity is a clever disobedience to the Guru’s command. No argument, such as comparing it to tying the hair on the head, holds validity. The hair on the head is tied to facilitate the Dastaar (turban) and to respect the Dasam Dwaar (Tenth Gate). There is no spiritual reason for tying the beard.
Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Ji, in his respected book Sachiya Daadiya (True Gurmukh Beards), shared that some Sikhs start tying their beards because their wives tell them to. In today’s time, many Sikhs do it because of fashion trends or to impress others, instead of trying to make Guru Sahib happy.
Some Sikhs tie their beards out of fear – fear of being laughed at, fear of not getting a good job, or fear of looking different from others. But a true Sikh, a true Khalsa, knows that only Akal Purakh (Waheguru) gives respect, jobs, and honour. No human can give or take away what Waheguru has decided. If someone gives up Sikhi just to get something in this world, it is a very bad deal.
In countries like Canada, America, and England, many Sikhs have reached high positions while proudly keeping their open beards. So why should Sikhs in India feel scared? They just need strong faith and courage.
Also, the chemicals used to tie beards, like Fixo, harm the hair. While tying, the hairs can get pulled or even break, which is disrespect to the sacred Kes. Once a Sikh starts tying the beard, it becomes harder to stop, because the beard grows longer and is harder to manage without strong faith.
Sikh history tells us that when Baba Sri Chand Ji asked Sri Guru Ram Das Ji about His long beard, Guru Sahib humbly replied, “I have grown this beard to clean the feet of Mahapurakhs (great souls) like you.” It was this humility that earned Guru Ram Das Ji the Throne of Guruship. Could anyone with a tied beard display such heartfelt humility?
In some situations, when a Sikh does not have a Hazooria while doing Ardaas, devout Gursikhs hold their open beard lovingly between their hands, joining them to pray. This pure act is only possible with an open, flowing beard.
Some Sikhs not only tie their beards but also curl and color them to match modern fashion trends. This too is against the natural roop (form) that Guru Sahib blessed us with. Curling the beard to make it look stylish or coloring it to hide its natural color shows a lack of contentment with the divine gift of Kes. Just like tying the beard, curling and coloring are forms of altering the appearance Guru Sahib has given, and it reflects a desire to please society rather than Guru Sahib. A Sikh’s honor lies in keeping the beard open, natural, and untouched, accepting and respecting the Guru-given roop with full love and pride.
Sardar Raghbir Singh Bir initially tied his beard but upon realizing the truth, began keeping it open. He was amazed at his spiritual progress and the deep respect he received from others. The greatness of an open beard is understood only when one experiences it.
O beloved Sikhs of Guru Sahib! Let us recognize that tying the beard is not a small matter. It is a distortion of the beautiful form given to us by Guru Sahib. It reflects a weakening of the Khalsa spirit, a surrender to worldly pressures.
Let us pray to Guru Sahib for strength, so that this bad custom is rooted out, and the Khalsa can once again live freely, fearlessly, and proudly with open beards, just as the glorious Khalsa of old times did.
Those who are looked after by the Powerful Guru have nothing to fear. May Guru Sahib bless His Khalsa with high spirits and protect it from such weaknesses.
May the roar of the fearless, open-bearded Khalsa once again thunder across the world!
For deeper understanding:
You can read the book “Sachiya Daadiya“ written by Bhai Sahib Bhai Randhir Singh Ji, which explains the Importance of keeping Beard, and the reasons behind disrespect of the beard.
Click here to read/download the PDF.
