Information Regarding The Sikh Turban

By Kristen Waller


When most people in the West think of turbans, it is the Sikh turban, or Dastar that often springs to mind. The maybe due to the fact that there are many Sikh communities around the world and the Dastar is striking and very elegant. This beautiful piece of head-wear comes in a variety of shapes and sizes that are in accord with different aspects of the culture.

The Sikh religion began in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. The religion came about in the 15th century as a reaction against the Hindu caste system, and it contains many aspects of Hinduism and Islam.

Sikhism differs from Hinduism in that it is monotheistic, which means that they worship one creator God. This God is personified as it is in the Abrahamic religions as the God in Sikhis, cannot be described. Although it is possible for Sikhs to know God through meditation.

There are 25 million Sikhs living in the world, and approximately three quarters of them live in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. The capital city of Sikhism is Amritsar in modern day India. Here the location of Harmandir Sahib or Golden Temple. The Golden Temple provides free food a lodging to anyone, regardless of caste or religion. This is an important part of Sikhism, which believes in equality.

Sikhs worship several consecutive Gurus who pass down wisdom through the generations. The latest Guru made it Mandatory for Sikh men to wear the dastar (Sikh turban) at all times during waking hours. This was done to maintain the identity of Sikhs in India and keep the culture alive.

It is mandatory for Sikh men to wear their turban. Sikhs do not cut their hair as a religious observance, and the turban is worn to protect the hair from dirt and damage. The most commonly seen turban is known as a Dastar. The Dumalla is larger in size and more ornate. This was traditionally worn in battle by Sikh man. Women may also wear a Dastar if they wish, but it is not mandatory.

The most common colors of dastars are orange, black and white. Many Sikhs adorn their Dastar with a small replica weapon called a Shastar. This symbolizes the soldier saint of Sikhism. The larger Dumalla is adorned with the Chand Tora, which is a metal symbol of two swords. It is held in place by a metal cord. The Dumalla is still worn today in the Punjab region as part of tradition.

The last Guru in Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh Ji made it mandatory to all Sikh men to wear a Sikh turban as it was previously just the upper class Sikhs that wore them. This was to eliminate the class system within Sikh communities and encourage equality. Turbans are not only worn by Sihks, they are worn throughout the world in many cultures and religions. These include, The Middle East, India, East Africa, Jamaica, Afghanistan and many others. Have a look on the internet regarding the Sikh religion and the history of the Sikh turban.




About the Author:



Comments (0)

Posting Komentar