Thursday, June 27, 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 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 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 serve as an indication of honor. It is awarded by the Guru to an individual who has participated a lot in the welfare of the human race or the Sikh community. It is a major symbol of honor left among the Sikhs. Wearers are also seen as morally upright individuals who deserve respect and treatment with honor. Dastars may also be used for fashion, where it is matched with other garments. They may be used in funerals, weddings, parties, and meetings among others.

In most states, turban wearers are excused from some traffic requirements. Provided they have their bulle intact, it is not obligatory that they wear protective helmets as is a law for other motorists. The consideration began during 2nd World War when fighters from Sikh community never wore helmets in battles. This was a courageous move that showed their great courage to the world .

A turban can be made in many different styles and colors. Each color and style is preferred by a given age group. White color is more often used by the old people. Kids and women have their own styles.




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