The Uses And Importance Of A Turban

By Freda Watts


A turban refers to a kind of headgear worn by various religious groups such as the Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, and some Christians. It is worn for different reasons among the various groups, although some reasons remain the same across all of them. The wearers are distributed in many areas around the world, making the headgear available in almost all parts of the world.

Major regions where dastars are worn comprise parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Countries where they are worn on large scale include India, Pakistan, the Middle East, and Afghanistan. In some states like Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and Pakistan, they have been rendered part of the nationwide dress. In India, they are known by other names like Dastar, Pagri, and Bulle.

Turbans are worn because of many reasons, ranging from fulfilling religious requirements to fashion. However, the major reason why people wear turbans is to fulfill the requirements of their religion. For instance, Sikhism requires its followers to wear a bulle every time each day with a few exceptions. The exceptions include when bathing, washing the hair, or sleeping. The Sikh are not supposed to shave their hair or temper with it in any way from childhood to death.

Besides fulfilling religious laws, pagris also function as an identity for the wearers. Individuals who wear bulles identify with one another easily, and some how, they feel safer working together. The headdress also helps in identifying one as a Sikh anywhere on earth. It needs courage for one to plainly identify themselves as Sikhs, therefore wearers are seen as courageous individuals in society.

Among bulle wearers, these items are viewed as signs of spirituality and holiness. Outgoing Gurus honor the in-coming ones with dastars, as a symbol of holiness. Hair is an important and respectful part in Sikhism and it must be protected and properly maintained. Maintenance is carried out by use of combs, which are also among the basic needs in the lives of Sikhs.

Dastars serve as an indication of honor. It is awarded by the Guru to an individual who has participated a lot in the welfare of the human race or the Sikh community. It is a major symbol of honor left among the Sikhs. Wearers are also seen as morally upright individuals who deserve respect and treatment with honor. Dastars may also be used for fashion, where it is matched with other garments. They may be used in funerals, weddings, parties, and meetings among others.

In most states, turban wearers are excused from some traffic requirements. Provided they have their bulle intact, it is not obligatory that they wear protective helmets as is a law for other motorists. The consideration began during 2nd World War when fighters from Sikh community never wore helmets in battles. This was a courageous move that showed their great courage to the world .

A turban could be made in different colors, styles, and designs. Each style, color, and design is preferred more by a certain group of people. The white color is commonly used by aged people. Ladies and children have their own colors and styles of preference.




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