Let Us Appreciate The Indian Turban Hats For What They Are

By Kate McMahon


A turban is a headgear worn by many people for different reasons. The most common reason as to why people wear turban hats is religious significance. One of the places where its use is significantly more than others is India. However it is often misunderstood and thanks to the September 11 attacks people are openly discriminating to the wearers. The Indian turban is an article that should be used to unite rather than divide people.

There have existed about sixty six head gears in the universe. In general the Hindus tend to reserve their headgears for significant occasions and ceremonies. The Sikh men however are required to wear the clothing all the time. Among the Sikhs this article is a representation of a lot of things among them honor, courage, self respect, spirituality and piety. This garment is generally identified by Sikh men although it is not uncommon to find women wearing the article.

The history of the use of this garment in India generally is not known, however in Sikhism it started being worn during the time of the first guru. When Guru Amar Das was chosen as the next new Guru the exiting one, guru Angad Dev honored him by giving him this article to wear. The last human Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Sing wrote comb your hair two times in a day and tie your turban carefully, turn after another.This is what guides the Sikhs to up-to-date.

In Sikhism and India as a whole the garment is used to signify many things, the first is spirituality and holiness. The second significance is honor and self respect. In the Punjabi community the only people who wore the article are those that served the community in the most selfless ways. It can also be used to signify responsibility. During the Rasam Pargi, a Northern India ceremony, the eldest son takes on the responsibility of the family when the father passes on. This is signified by the tying of a turban before a large gathering.

Piety and moral values are also signified by the head clothing. In times of war the Sikh warriors could hide in any house, even that of the womenfolk, from the womenfolk. They were trusted because they were expected to be nothing short of pure minds and piety. It is also a symbol of courage as it was mainly wore by warriors in times of war. It is also used to signify friendship. During pag vatauni, a custom, one exchanges their Turban with that of a close friend. This is usually a pledge to sharing the joy and sorrow of the other under any circumstances.

The garments have different styles of tying them depending on the occasion. The Chand Tora Dhalama for one is a style that is generally worn by Nihang Sikh men. It is mainly worn in times of battle.

After the infamous September 11 attacks people started discriminating every wearer of the garment including the Indians. This was based on ignorance considering the suspects of the attack were not even Indians. However during time this is generally reducing and although it has not gotten to where it was before, there has been a notable improvement in the treatment American Indians get.

This article is a representation of the culture of a people, it would thus be important to preserve it and cherish it. It is also important people get to know more about its purpose and importance to the wearer. The Indian turban hats is a beautiful head garment.




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