The Applications And Significance Of A Turban

By Freda Watts


A turban refers to a kind of headgear worn by various religious groups such as the Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, and some Christians. It is worn for different reasons among the various groups, although some reasons remain the same across all of them. The wearers are distributed in many areas around the world, making the headgear available in almost all parts of the world.

Major regions where dastars are worn comprise parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Countries where they are worn on large scale include India, Pakistan, the Middle East, and Afghanistan. In some states like Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and Pakistan, they have been rendered part of the nationwide dress. In India, they are known by other names like Dastar, Pagri, and Bulle.

Turbans are worn because of many reasons, ranging from fulfilling religious requirements to fashion. However, the major reason why people wear turbans is to fulfill the requirements of their religion. For instance, Sikhism requires its followers to wear a bulle every time each day with a few exceptions. The exceptions include when bathing, washing the hair, or sleeping. The Sikh are not supposed to shave their hair or temper with it in any way from childhood to death.

Besides fulfilling religious responsibility, dastars also serve as an identity among the wearers. People who wear turbans identify easily with each other, and in some way, they feel safer with each other. The headgear also identifies one as belonging to the Sikh community anywhere around the globe. It takes some courage to identify openly as a Sikh, hence wearers are considered courageous people in the society.

Among bulle wearers, the item is viewed as a sign of holiness and/or spirituality. Outgoing Gurus honor the incoming ones with turbans, as a sign of holiness. Hair is a greatly respected part in the Sikh religion and it has to be given protection and maintained well. Maintenance is performed by use of a comb, which is also one of the fundamental needs in their lives.

Dastars act as signs of honor. They are given by Gurus to people who have participated selflessly in welfare matters of the Sikh religion or generally the human race. They are a key symbolism of honor that still exists among Sikhs. Wearers are considered as people with high morals who deserve honor and respect. A dastar could also be utilized for purposes of fashion, where it is matched with suitable clothing. It could be used in parties, meetings, funerals, and weddings among other functions.

In most countries, turban wearers are exempted from some traffic rules. Provided one has their dastar on, it is not mandatory that they wear a helmet as is required to other motorists. This idea began during the world war II when Sikh fighters did not wear protective helmets on battlefields. This was a brave step that showed their great courage.

A turban may be made in several different colors and styles. Each style and color is preferred by a certain age group. The white color is more commonly used by the aged people. Women and kids have their own preferred colors and styles.




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