This photograph was taken in Kingston, Ontario. The Kara is a small metal bangle that is worn by Sikhs and is always worn on the right hand as a reminder not to participate in any wrongdoings and to refrain from acts that would bring shame or disgrace to one’s family or their religion. The relationship that I have to the Kara helps me identify with my religion and traditions, as I don’t follow the rituals although I do believe in the teachings. This way the Kara does truly give me a connection to my religion. When I am not wearing the Kara I feel compelled to touch my wrist for it, it has become a part of me, I almost never take it off. To me this object is religious but to others it can easily be thought of as an accessory with no significance. Personally I find that very interesting. To others it just seems like a normal bracelet but to Sikhs it means so much more, it represents the line between good and bad, it acts as a constant reminder to do the right thing. The subtlety of this object has deep meaning to my religion, where as a rosary would have a deeper meaning to someone of Catholic religion.
Contributor Biography: Seerat Kaur Dhillon
I am a first year student studying at Queen’s University. I took a year off between high school and university to travel and experience different cultures. Although I was born in Toronto, I have grown up and studied in India since a young child. Different cultures intrigue me and I love learning about other belief systems and traditions. I would describe myself as passionate about traveling and the arts, such as fine arts, art history, drama, film and media.