Wednesday, July 3, 2013

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 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 due to many reasons, ranging from fashion to fulfilling religious requirements. However, the main reason why people put on turbans is to keep the requirements of their religions. For instance, Sikhism needs its followers to put on a bulle all the times each day with few exceptions. The exceptions include when washing the hair, sleeping, or bathing. The Sikhs are not to shave their heads or temper with the hair in any manner from child-hood 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 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 may be made in several different colors and styles. Each style and color is preferred by a certain age group. The white color is more commonly used by the aged people. Women and kids have their own preferred colors and styles.




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