The Importance And Uses 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 locations where dastars are used comprise parts of Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe. Countries where they are used on large scale comprise Pakistan, Middle East, Afghanistan, and India. In some nations like Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, the government has made them a national dress. In India, they are referred to by other names like Pagri, Bulle, and Dastar.

Turbans are worn for many reasons, varying from fashion to fulfillment of religious requirements. The primary reason why individuals put on turbans however, is to follow requirements stated in their religions. For example, Sikhism needs that its followers put on bulles always on a daily basis with few exceptions. The circumstances under which one is exempted from wearing the dastar include when sleeping, bathing, or washing the hair. The Sikhs are required never to shave heads or temper with hair in any way or circumstance from babyhood to death.

Besides fulfilling religious duty, dastars also act as an identity among wearers. People who put on turbans identify with each other easily, and in some manner, they feel safer together. The headdress also identifies one as a member of the Sikh community anywhere on the globe. It takes courage to identify plainly as a Sikh, hence therefore wearers are viewed as courageous people in society.

Among dastar wearers, the item is considered as an indication of holiness and spirituality of a wearer. The outgoing Gurus honored the incoming Gurus with turbans, as an indication of holiness among them. Hair is a highly respected part of Sikhism and it needs to be protected and be well maintained. Maintenance is done using a comb, which is also considered one of the basic requirements of their lives.

Dastars act as signs of honor. They are given by Gurus to people who have participated selflessly in welfare matters of the Sikh religion or generally the human race. They are a key symbolism of honor that still exists among Sikhs. Wearers are considered as people with high morals who deserve honor and respect. A dastar could also be utilized for purposes of fashion, where it is matched with suitable clothing. It could be used in parties, meetings, funerals, and weddings among other functions.

In most countries, turban wearers are exempted from some traffic rules. Provided one has their dastar on, it is not mandatory that they wear a helmet as is required to other motorists. This idea began during the world war II when Sikh fighters did not wear protective helmets on battlefields. This was a brave step that showed their great courage.

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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