Intricacies Of The Punjabi Turban

By Anne Kelley


Many cultural regions and various religious groups often wear distinctive types of head dressings as a way to identify themselves. Variations on the styles and colors may indicate their standing within the community. Members of the Sikh faith favor several different forms of the Punjabi turban.

The area of Punjab, India is largely inhabited by members of the Sikh faith who view the wearing of the head covering as a gift bestowed upon them by their exalted Guru. It is a mandatory article of clothing for all devout followers of the religion and is viewed as a form of identity. It symbolizes their devotion and commitment to obtaining a higher consciousness.

From birth, Sikhs do not cut their hair as a way of showing respect for all that God has created. They take great care of their tresses and keep them covered in public to symbolize their faith. Even though people generally associate the turban with men, there are some styles that are also donned by boys, women and even young children.

Turbans are commonly known as dastars within this culture and the style is known as a pugaree. Several basic wrapping methods are in place to be used as guidelines and an individual may make adjustments to make the covering fit their personal preferences and needs. Wearing the head piece openly in public is highly respected and shows a person's courage, commitment and honor.

Things like the size of one's joora - the topknot of hair- age, personal tastes and position, will often greatly influence the style of pugaree a person will wear. There are no rules as to what type of turban one must wear though certain looks are generally favored and reserved for specific groups. Those are traditionally based on tribes, gender or social standing.

Perhaps the most recognizable type of dastar is the Basic Dhamala which is very simple and based on the oldest form preferred by Sikh gurus. This style is quite popular with the younger members of the faith not only in India and Pakistan, but also those residing in the United Kingdom and the western countries of Canada and America. It is a snap to learn, quick to prepare and easy to adjust as needed.

The Nok is another style of dastar that is widely worn in India. The result is much higher than other types of turbans but it requires less wrapping. It is commonly referred to as the Double Patti and is made by sewing two 3 meter long sections of cloth together, to make it extra wide and twice as full.

The Punjabi turban can be found in even more forms such as the highly artistic Patiala Shahi, and the Patka which is favored by young boys and often worn by those engaged in sports activities. There are also those such as the Chand tora Dhamala, worn mostly only by particular sects or groups. Each is a manner in which one can cover their hair in a respectful manner and openly declare their commitment to their beliefs.




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