The Sikh Turban.

What Is The Sikh Turban

photoThe Sikh  Turban is an article of faith that represents Spirituality,Sovereignty, Self-Respect, Honour,& Piety. The Turban, or “Dastar,” or “Pagri,” often shortened to “Pagg,” are various names for the same article. The Sikh Turban is called Dastaar (ਦਸਤਾਰ), which is a more respectful word in Punjabi for the turban. All these words refer to the piece of cloth worn by both men and women to cover their heads. It is a long piece of cloth wrapped around the head fold by fold and tied daily.Traditionally in India, the turban was only worn by higher society. Whereas, people of low status, were not allowed, or could not even afford to wear a turban. The Turban is closely associated with Sikhism since the very beginning from 1469.
The keeping of unshorn hair was mandated by Guru Gobind Singh Ji as one of Five K’s on the formation of the Khalsa ,at  Anandpur Sahib on Vasakhi,13th April 1699.The Dastaar was specified to Sikhs to cover their head. Also Guru ji wanted his Khalsa to be different and to be determined “to stand out from the rest of the world” and to follow the unique path that had been set out by the Sikh Gurus.
The Turban in Sikh history
There are many references in the Sikh history that describe how Guru Gobind Singh Ji personally tied beautiful Dumalas (Turbans) on the heads of both his elder sons Baba Ajit Singh Ji and Baba Jujhar Ji Singh and how he personally gave them arms, decorated them like bridegrooms, and sent them to the battlefield at Chamkaur Sahib where they both received martyrdom.

The Turban in Sikh history Bhai Taru Singh Ji

Bhai Taru Singh was born and raised in Punjab during the reign of the Mughal Empire. During this time, Sikh revolutionaries were plotting the overthrow of Zakaria Khan. Bhai Taru Singh and his sister, Tar Kaur (Taro) gave food and other aid to these Sikh fighters. An informant reported them to Zakaria Khan, and the two were arrested for treason. His sister’s freedom was bought by the villagers, and Bhai Taru Singh refused to seek a pardon. He was given a choice to convert to Islam, but he choose to give his head to his Guru instead, and received martyrdom.

Importance of Sikh turban 

guru_nanak_dev_jiSpirituality

The Turban is a symbol of spirituality and holiness in Sikhism. All Sikh Gurus wore Turbans.

“Sabat Soorat Dastaar Sira”

‘Sabat’ means that which is whole, complete and unaltered, in its original form. ‘Soorat’ is face or appearance, ‘Dastaar’ is turban and ‘Sira’ is head. Collectively, it means a person complete with full physical features, inclusive of hair as granted to him by God, with a turban to adorn his head. (SGGS Page 1084)

kahlsaSovereignty Sign of Sardari.

The Turban was meant for only Kings. Non-Muslims  were not  allowed to keep horses or weapons and to had wear a Turban. The Turban provides Sikhs a unique identity. Thus, a turbaned Sikh has always stood out from the crowd, as the Guru intended. For he wanted his ‘Saint-Soldiers’ to not only be easily recognizable, but easily identified as well.

 

 

turban_world_warSelf Respect

The Turban is a symbol of honour and self-respect. It is also symbol of courage, dedication and piety. In the Punjabi culture, those who have selflessly served the community are traditionally honoured with  a Turban (Siropa). Sikh soldiers refused to wear helmets during World War I and World War II. They fought instead with a turban on their head instead of metal helmets. A Sikh (Khalsa) is supposed to be fearless because wearing a helmet is admitting fear of death.