Variations On The Punjabi Turban

By Nita McKinney


In countries all around the world, billions of people choose to wear some form of head covering as a way to show personal style, as a cultural tradition or because of religious beliefs. In some circles, all three of these reasons are actually the same thing. Many members of the Sikh faith wear some type of Punjabi turban on a daily basis.

The Sikh are mainly centered in India and Pakistan, though the people are now living on nearly all continents. Most members of the faith wear turbans as a way to show their commitment to honor, self respect, courage and piety. Though all sexes and ages may choose to wear them, they become a requirement for all men who have undergone baptism.

To show respect for God's creation and as a symbol of devotion, Sikh men do not wear their unshorn hair loose. The turban is a commitment symbol and the various colors and designs do not have any type of status symbolism. Some models are instantly recognizable as part of this culture though the people are not limited to wearing any particular style and everyone has the freedom to develop their own method of wrapping.

Proper hair preparation must be done before one begins to wrap their turban. All tresses are combed through and then gathered into a knot that has been either twisted or braided on the crown of the head near the front and then covered by a snug cloth known as a patka. This is how one keep from getting stray strands from getting tangled in the headdress as it is being formed or during daily activity.

Perhaps the most recognizable form of Sikh head wear is the old style Dhamala which is very popular with men in many Western countries. This simple design is the easiest one for beginners and has served as the basis for many other models that have since evolved. Having learned this general wrapping technique, adding personal touches to create a new look is no issue.

One of the more popular style of Punjabi headdress is the Double Patti, or Nok. This is an extra large version which begins by sewing two three meter pieces of cloth together. The end result has a bulkier appearance than other models but it is easier to do because it requires one to utilize fewer twists and wraps.

Perhaps not as popular as it once was, but very flattering to broader faces, is an older version known as the Patiala Shahi. It is recognized by its distinctive sharp triangular section on the forehead where the color of the patka is shown, and its rounded look with a flattened back side. This design takes at least seven and a half meters of fabric and consists of many layers.

The Punjabi turban styles worn by those of the Sikh faith have many different variations. Colors and designs are all a matter of personal choice and hold no special meanings either culturally or religiously. They are simply a symbol of one's commitment to live a lifestyle and a way for like minded persons to recognize each other in public.




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