Throughout the world, there are so many people who wear some type of head covering as a cultural symbol, for fashion purposes or as part of religious directives. For some, these three reasons are actually one in the same. Such is the case with the Punjabi turban and those who are a part of the Sikh faith.
The Sikh religion is primarily, though not exclusively, centered in the area where Pakistan borders India. The followers of this faith, especially the men, wear turbans as a symbol of their honor, courage, self respect and piety. This type of head covering is often worn by women and youth as a matter of choice and habit, but once a man has been baptized, the gear becomes mandatory.
To show respect for God's creation and as a symbol of devotion, Sikh men do not wear their unshorn hair loose. The turban is a commitment symbol and the various colors and designs do not have any type of status symbolism. Some models are instantly recognizable as part of this culture though the people are not limited to wearing any particular style and everyone has the freedom to develop their own method of wrapping.
Regardless of how a man ultimately decides to wrap his headdress, the hair is generally prepared in a standard way. The hair is gathered into a joora, a twisted or braided knot at the crown of the head which is then covered with a tight fitting cloth called a patka. The reason for this under covering is to keep the hair from becoming tangled in the outer cloth and to add a splash of color at the forehead.
Perhaps the most recognizable form of Sikh head wear is the old style Dhamala which is very popular with men in many Western countries. This simple design is the easiest one for beginners and has served as the basis for many other models that have since evolved. Having learned this general wrapping technique, adding personal touches to create a new look is no issue.
The Double Patti is often called a Nok and is yet another popular choice of Punjabi style headdress. It is done a bit differently because it begins with a piece of fabric that is basically a 6 meter square instead of a long length of cloth. The finished look is larger than most other designs but it takes fewer wraps and is relatively easy to do.
Another style that is not as common as it once was but it great for people with broader faces is the Patiala Shahi. This design features a distinct triangular point at the forehead through which the under cloth shows for a splash of color, a generally rounded silhouette with a flattened rear. The fabric used is at least seven and a half meters long and requires a lot of layers.
There are many versions of the Punjabi turban worn mostly by members of the Sikh faith. The colors and designs are purely based on personal preference and have no religious, social or cultural significance. The wrapped headdress is a way members of a particular group are able to cover their hair and openly show their commitment to their beliefs.
The Sikh religion is primarily, though not exclusively, centered in the area where Pakistan borders India. The followers of this faith, especially the men, wear turbans as a symbol of their honor, courage, self respect and piety. This type of head covering is often worn by women and youth as a matter of choice and habit, but once a man has been baptized, the gear becomes mandatory.
To show respect for God's creation and as a symbol of devotion, Sikh men do not wear their unshorn hair loose. The turban is a commitment symbol and the various colors and designs do not have any type of status symbolism. Some models are instantly recognizable as part of this culture though the people are not limited to wearing any particular style and everyone has the freedom to develop their own method of wrapping.
Regardless of how a man ultimately decides to wrap his headdress, the hair is generally prepared in a standard way. The hair is gathered into a joora, a twisted or braided knot at the crown of the head which is then covered with a tight fitting cloth called a patka. The reason for this under covering is to keep the hair from becoming tangled in the outer cloth and to add a splash of color at the forehead.
Perhaps the most recognizable form of Sikh head wear is the old style Dhamala which is very popular with men in many Western countries. This simple design is the easiest one for beginners and has served as the basis for many other models that have since evolved. Having learned this general wrapping technique, adding personal touches to create a new look is no issue.
The Double Patti is often called a Nok and is yet another popular choice of Punjabi style headdress. It is done a bit differently because it begins with a piece of fabric that is basically a 6 meter square instead of a long length of cloth. The finished look is larger than most other designs but it takes fewer wraps and is relatively easy to do.
Another style that is not as common as it once was but it great for people with broader faces is the Patiala Shahi. This design features a distinct triangular point at the forehead through which the under cloth shows for a splash of color, a generally rounded silhouette with a flattened rear. The fabric used is at least seven and a half meters long and requires a lot of layers.
There are many versions of the Punjabi turban worn mostly by members of the Sikh faith. The colors and designs are purely based on personal preference and have no religious, social or cultural significance. The wrapped headdress is a way members of a particular group are able to cover their hair and openly show their commitment to their beliefs.
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