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Summary of Question:	A Potentially Embarrassing Question
Category:	Sikh Practices
Date Posted:	Sunday, 3/23/2003 9:44 PM MDT

Sat sri Akaal, all!

When my husband and I were looking for places to take Amrit over Vaisakhi, we were introduced to a person who gave directions to his Gurudwara and said among other things, "kakkars will be provided..."

The only one which is causing me some worry is the kachera, and this is because I am frankly a HUGE CHICK with some major size concerns in clothing. I am 5'10" and take American size 30W, which makes me difficult to fit. With this in mind, I had a few questions which I ask as I blush...

First, are women to wear the kachera? There has been some argument in my local area that it is a man's garment, derived from the warrior's clothing worn in the days of the Gurus. I am new to this congregation and am rather embarrassed to ask about it. (I was a Mormon for several years, and a similar garment is worn among their initiated folks, but you never discussed it OR ELSE...)

Second, is it acceptible to make the kachere yourself, and how would I do it? I can barely sew a button without turning myself into a pincushion!

Your input on this would be relieving as well as much appreciated. Not coming from an Indian family, I'm really ignorant on these matters, and want to do what is right and appropriate.

Blessed be,

Elizabeth


<<<< REPLY >>>>

Elizabeth - Yes. Kachera are for both sexes. They are really comfortable when you are wearing baggy bottoms like chididas or silwar. Kachera are quite large because they gather at the waist and tie with a drawstring. A large men's kachera should fit you fine. The question is where to get one. They are difficult to sew if you haven't done it before. It's all sewn on the bias.

......G