dimanche 10 mars 2013

Intricacies Of The Punjabi Turban

By Anne Kelley


Distinctive headgear is often worn my members of various belief systems or by the people of a specific region. The style and color may be a way to distinguish a person's status within their particular community. The Punjabi turban, in its many varied forms, is mainly worn by those in the Sikh culture.

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.

In this community, the turban is also known as a dastar and the way it is wrapped is called a pugaree. There are several different basic ways in which they can be made and then adjusted to fit one's individual needs and preferences. Those who openly wear this article are highly regarded because they are not afraid to stand out in a crowd and declare their commitment with honor, respect and courage.

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.

The Basic Dhamala is possibly the most easily recognizable style of dastar as it is also one of the oldest, first worn by the earliest Sikh gurus. Younger males in the faith, not just those in India and Pakistan but also those living in other countries such as the U. K., the United States and Canada, tend to favor this pugaree. It is a simple, easy to learn and modify design that is quick and convenient.

Another common type of dastar for men is the Nok, which is especially popular in India. It is also known as the Double Patti because two 3 meter lengths of cloth are sewn together in order to make it twice as wide. The result is a head piece that is larger than most other styles, but requires it be wrapped around fewer times.

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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