Principles Of The Indian Turban

By Camille Nicholson


The Indian turban has had many uses over the years. Some Asian communities use it for practical reasons while Sikhs have given it a religious significance. The significance is both cultural and practical. Some people use it to protect their heads from heat while others shield the hair from dust. Sikhs have made the attire a part of their religion and passed this on for generations.

Guru Nanak made this part of the Hindu tradition in the fifteenth century. The trend was adopted by the Sikhs who came after him. It marks their devotion to the principles upon which the religion is founded. This tradition was reinforced by Guru Gobind Singh who is responsible for establishment of the Sikh brotherhood that dictated common behavior.

Among the instructions that members of the Sikh brotherhood were to follow are maintaining long hair, steel bangle, a ceremonial comb, a sword as well as use of special undergarments. The need to contain the long hair led many of them to adopt the culture of using turbans.

There is more to the Indian turban than meets the eyes. The cloth must be five yards in length and one and a half in width. The design must not contain any loose ends with all edges being carefully tucked. This is an art taught to children at the youngest age. It requires attention and skill.

Preference of either cotton or silk makes it soft on the head and light in weight. The wearer chooses the color that suits the occasion or complements other attires. It is only a piece of cloth when it is not worn on the head. The turban acquires another meaning and significance immediately it is wrapped on the head of a faithful.

The Indian turban is used to remind the wearer the principles and duties of this religion. One is to be honest, humble, of sound ethics, be disciplined and maintain spiritual uprightness. It is a uniting factor in memory and honor of the gurus who served the religion in the past. Beside these factors, it holds the hair together since it must not be trimmed.

The turban has a psychological benefit. It is used to strengthen inner will and ensure that the person remains virtuous according to the teachings of the gurus. This is a sign to the public that one is a member of the Sikh community. The expectation is that he or she will behave in a way befitting this religion. The wearer is a representative of all Sikhs all over the world.

Different styles have emerged in the recent years as a way of adding flair to the art of tying turbans. This is driven by the need to give the younger generation a chance to participate in shaping the future of their religion. This has lead to entry of professionalism in the art of tying the turban. The basic principles of holding the hair and head together have been maintained.

The Indian turban is a universal symbol for the Sikhs. Baptized men and women prefer to use it to manage their hair as part of their religious principle. Styles change with community, but the basic principles of holding all the temples in your head together are maintained.




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