The Applications And Significance Of A Turban

By Freda Watts


A turban refers to a form of headdress worn by different religious groups like the Sikhs, Hindus, some Christians, and Muslims. It is used for different reasons among various groups, even though some reasons remain same across all. The wearers are scattered in many regions around the globe, making the headgear present in almost all areas of the world.

Major regions where turbans are worn include parts of the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Countries where they are used on a large scale include Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and the Middle East. In some states such as Afghanistan, Iran, and Iraq, they have been made part of the national dress. In India, they go by other names such as Pagri, Dastar, and Bulle.

Turbans are worn due to many reasons, ranging from fashion to fulfilling religious requirements. However, the main reason why people put on turbans is to keep the requirements of their religions. For instance, Sikhism needs its followers to put on a bulle all the times each day with few exceptions. The exceptions include when washing the hair, sleeping, or bathing. The Sikhs are not to shave their heads or temper with the hair in any manner from child-hood 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 nations, turban wearers are left out from some traffic laws. Provided one has their bulle on, it is not compulsory that they wear helmets as is a requirement for other motorists. This consideration began during the second World War when Sikh fighters never wore protective helmets on battle fields. This was a courageous step that showed the world their great courage.

A turban can be made in many different styles and colors. Each color and style is preferred by a given age group. White color is more often used by the old people. Kids and women have their own styles.




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