In the deserts of Rajasthan, India there was a great monarchy. The monarchy was ruled by the revered Rajput kings who led with an iron fist. The turban hat, traditionally referred to as safa or pagari, is all that remains of their hierarchy. The safa is a ten meter long, one meter wide piece of cloth that is commonly seen on the heads of Indian men. The cloth is a strong part of Indian culture, music and tradition.
Most people know the safa as a traditional Middle Eastern hat. When worn on the head, it is a symbol of caste and class. It shows that the wearer demands respect and shows their place in life. Colored hats with intricate bead work may signify fun and vitality and are likely to be donned by young men. Older men show affluence by wearing safas with a single color and expensive fabric.
The religious nature attached to the pagari cannot be understated. In many Middle Eastern cultures, the traditional headband is worn for religious purposes. For instance, Sikhs who do not cut their hair in respect for God, keep it covered with a cloth. Muslims also wear the headpiece as a sign of their devotion and humility. The different color cloths hold different meanings to different individuals. A white safa signifies purity according to Islam, while the green one represents paradise.
With the knowledge that most days in Rajasthan are ruled by the scorching sun, it may puzzle an ordinary man why the need for additional clothing. The answer is simple. At night, the temperatures in the desert fall rapidly and it becomes necessary to have an additional piece of warmth. As the day breaks and the sun rises, the pagari is progressively tied to the upper layers of the head.
It is a common sight in Rajasthan to find individuals sleeping during the day or shading from the scorching sun. In such cases, the ten meter cloth is unwound from the head and used as a makeshift pillow. The material used to make the cloth is soft and cozy and is bound to provide a solace from the harsh weather conditions.
Traditional men use the headpiece to carry small objects that they cannot do without. In this case, the hat serves as a pocket. In it, you can find items such as knives, tobacco, money or pens. In towns, the headband has become a hiding place for pick pockets and small time thugs. Waiters, bartenders and restaurant attendants use the hat to conceal their tips.
Furthermore, the cloth is useful in drawing water from underground wells. It is difficult to find terrestrial sources of water in a hot desert such as Rajasthan. The men tie buckets to the unfolded pagari and use it to fetch water for domestic use, irrigation and for animals.
Some ancient tribes used the turban hat as a weapon. The Thugees, a notorious religious sect was revered for their reputation of strangling travelers who crossed their territory. Other than that, it can be used as a sling to throw rocks.
Most people know the safa as a traditional Middle Eastern hat. When worn on the head, it is a symbol of caste and class. It shows that the wearer demands respect and shows their place in life. Colored hats with intricate bead work may signify fun and vitality and are likely to be donned by young men. Older men show affluence by wearing safas with a single color and expensive fabric.
The religious nature attached to the pagari cannot be understated. In many Middle Eastern cultures, the traditional headband is worn for religious purposes. For instance, Sikhs who do not cut their hair in respect for God, keep it covered with a cloth. Muslims also wear the headpiece as a sign of their devotion and humility. The different color cloths hold different meanings to different individuals. A white safa signifies purity according to Islam, while the green one represents paradise.
With the knowledge that most days in Rajasthan are ruled by the scorching sun, it may puzzle an ordinary man why the need for additional clothing. The answer is simple. At night, the temperatures in the desert fall rapidly and it becomes necessary to have an additional piece of warmth. As the day breaks and the sun rises, the pagari is progressively tied to the upper layers of the head.
It is a common sight in Rajasthan to find individuals sleeping during the day or shading from the scorching sun. In such cases, the ten meter cloth is unwound from the head and used as a makeshift pillow. The material used to make the cloth is soft and cozy and is bound to provide a solace from the harsh weather conditions.
Traditional men use the headpiece to carry small objects that they cannot do without. In this case, the hat serves as a pocket. In it, you can find items such as knives, tobacco, money or pens. In towns, the headband has become a hiding place for pick pockets and small time thugs. Waiters, bartenders and restaurant attendants use the hat to conceal their tips.
Furthermore, the cloth is useful in drawing water from underground wells. It is difficult to find terrestrial sources of water in a hot desert such as Rajasthan. The men tie buckets to the unfolded pagari and use it to fetch water for domestic use, irrigation and for animals.
Some ancient tribes used the turban hat as a weapon. The Thugees, a notorious religious sect was revered for their reputation of strangling travelers who crossed their territory. Other than that, it can be used as a sling to throw rocks.
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