What is the significance of the sikh turban

There is no prescribed age at which a Sikh should be initiated; they can choose to do so whenever they are ready. According to the Rehat Maryada, only those who understand the significance of the ceremony and carry its discipline with sincerity should be initiated. It is important to note that once a Sikh is initiated, they are committed to this lifestyle and as outlined in Rehat Maryada.

The founders of the Sikh faith started the practice of maintaining hair unshorn. Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, gave the Sikhs 5 articles of faith including unshorn hair and the dastaar turban , which, as a whole, comprise the daily uniform of a Sikh. In other words, keeping hair kesh and wearing a dastaar turban form an external identity for a Sikh. But, as in every religion, there are people at different levels of observance and commitment to their faith.

Everyone is on their own personal journey. Some Sikhs may cut their hair, but that does not exclude them from the Sikh community. Initiated Sikhs are not supposed to cut hair from any part of their body. All Sikhs, men and women are thus supposed to have unshorn hair and remain unshaved. Sikhs can wear any color or style of turban, and there are no significant colors. Some Sikhs wear very few colors and others have a broad color palette. If you see someone wearing a turban and you are not sure if they are Sikh or not, ask them!

The Sikh turban is a mandatory article of faith. People of many other cultures and religions wear turbans, but none are required to do so by their religion. Sikhs tie their turbans anew each day. Just like observant Sikh men, observant Sikh women are not supposed to cut their hair. In the Rehat Maryada, it is explicitly written that Sikh men wear a turban.

There is nothing explicitly written about women, except that the turban is optional. There are many reasons for this change: globalization, cultural trends, and a lack of clarity in the Rehat Maryada. For Sikh women who choose to tie a turban, the turban is just as much a part of their body and identity as it is for Sikh men! A kirpan does not have a prescribed length. In most cases it is about inches long.

The kirpan serves as a reminder to fight against injustice and oppression. A Sikh understands that carrying a kirpan is a great responsibility.

It is only intended to protect themselves or others. Some school aged children have made the commitment to become an initiated Sikh, and as such do wear a kirpan. Historic Purmandal in pathetic condition, BJP remains listless. Development yet to reach Langate villages. Pahalgam tent operators stage protest against admin, allege discrimination. Govt silent on illegal constructions by departments. Pay Rs as compensation to RTI applicants.

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The saint-soldier ideal applies to women and men alike. In this spirit, Sikh women and men maintain five articles of faith, popularly known as the five Ks. These are: kes long, uncut hair , kara steel bracelet , kanga wooden comb , kirpan small sword and kachera soldier-shorts. Although little historical evidence exists to explain why these particular articles were chosen, the five Ks continue to provide the community with a collective identity, binding together individuals on the basis of a shared belief and practice.

As I understand, Sikhs cherish these articles of faith as gifts from their gurus. Turbans are an important part of the Sikh identity. Both women and men may wear turbans.

Like the articles of faith, Sikhs regard their turbans as gifts given by their beloved gurus, and their meaning is deeply personal. The Sikh gurus adopted the turban , in part, to remind Sikhs that all humans are sovereign, royal and ultimately equal. After British colonizers in India seized power of Punjab in , where a majority of the Sikh community was based, Sikhs began migrating to various regions controlled by the British Empire, including Southeast Asia, East Africa and the United Kingdom itself.