Turban (Dastar) , an integral part of Sikh culture is an identity of Sikhs. The symbol of honour, self-respect, humility, and holiness; represents faith. It is a royalty, uniqueness, and the grace of Sikhs; and is a strong symbol among the Sikh religious community.
Let’s understand the importance of the Turban in Sikhism in detail in this article.
Turban – The Gift of Tenth Guru
Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Guru of Sikhs covered his head with a short turban and after him every guru followed it. But it was the Tenth Guru – Guru Gobind Singh Ji on the Vaisakhi in the year April 1699 who made “Singh” and told them to grow long hair and maintain or cover them in a Turban. He gave this royal, unique, and graceful gift to the Sikhs.
The historical significance of Turban can be understood from this context. Guru Ji gave the distinct dress (bana) to Sikhs after giving the holy “Amrit” to five beloved Sikhs (Panj Pyare) and adding Singh after their name. This uniform dress code is to promote equality.
The dress code included Turban along with five K’s (Kakars):
- Kesh – untrimmed hair and beard
- Kangha – wooden comb to comb hair
- Kachera – special cotton loose underwear
- Kara – round solid iron or steel bracelet
- Kirpan – small sword made of steel or iron
At the time of the Mughal rule till the tenth Guru, even the Guru’s did not have Singh after their name. Guru Gobind Singh Ji after giving holy “Amrit” to Panj Pyare, also took this holy Amrit from those first five Singh’s. Hereon he commanded every Sikh to have uncut hair (Kesh), keep the five K’s, tie the Turban fearlessly, and add Singh after the name of Sikh men and Kaur after the name of Sikh women. Though it is mandated for every Sikh man to wear Turban (Dumala), women have the choice to wear it after taking holy Amrit or not. But women also need to maintain untrimmed hair. As this energy is sacred, so to retain it, Sikhs cover their head with Turban.
After this untrimmed hair and Turban became a significant feature of Sikhs (Sardars) throughout the world.
Turban - Sikh Representation
Turban is not a thing that you can casually take on and off. Sikhs need to re-wear it every time they remove it. One cannot forcefully remove or touch anyone’s Turban. The act is considered as a mark of great disrespect.
Sikhs need to maintain their hair uncut and wear turbans. When a Sikh ties a turban, they show their acceptance to God's Will. It is a mark of respect and also to pay obedience to their Guru’s wishes. You can easily recognize a Sikh (Sardar) in thousands from his Turban. Do you know in most parts of the world, Sikh’s (Sardars) are even exempted from wearing helmets while driving? All because of their crown – Turban, and this itself explain the importance of Turban.
Sikhs believe that wearing Turban helps they stay focused in their lives and keep them grounded
Different Styles of Turban (Pagg)
Sikhs tie turban in a number of styles. Some of them are:
- Dumala
- Keski
- Patka
- Gurmukh Dastar
- Dastar Bunga
- Patiala Shahi Pagg
- Amritsari Pagg
Carry on the religious identity, cultural pride, and Sikh’s tradition by purchasing the Turban of your desired length, colour, and cloth. Decorate it on your head as a crown by tying it in the way as you like as per Sikh culture.