The Turban of the
Sikhs
Historical Background
Turban is and has been an inseparable part of a Sikh's
life. Since Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, all Sikhs have been wearing turbans.
Refer to Dr. Trilochan Singh's "Biography of Guru Nanak Dev." All Sikh Gurus
wore turbans. The Sikh Rehat Maryada (Sikh Code of Conduct) specifically says that all
Sikhs must wear a turban. According to the Rehatnama of Bhai Chaupa Singh, who was a
contemporary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the five Kakars of Sikhism were: Kachh (a special
underwear), Karha (a steel bracelet), Kirpan (small sword), Kangha (comb) and Keski (a
small turban).
Guru Gobind Singh says,
"Kangha dono vakt kar, paag chune kar
bandhai."
Translation:
"Comb your hair twice a day and tie your turban
carefully, turn by turn."
Bhai Chaupa Singh says,
"Kachh, karha, kirpan, kangha, keski, Eh panj
kakar rehat dhare Sikh soi."
Translation:
The five Kakars of Sikhism are special underwear, steel
bracelet, sword, comb, and small turban. A person who wears all these Sikh symbols should
be considered a Sikh.
Several ancient Sikh documents refer to the order of Guru
Gobind Singh about wearing five Ks. Bhai Rattan Singh Bhangu is one of the most famous
ancient Sikh historians. He is the author of "Sri Gur Panth Parkash" which he
wrote almost two centuries ago. He writes,
"Doi vele utth bandhyo dastare, pahar aatth rakhyo shastar sambhare |
. . .
Kesan ki kijo pritpal, nah(i) ustran se katyo vaal |"
Translation:
"Tie your turban twice a day and carefully wear weapons 24
hours a day.
. . .
Take good care of your hair. Do not cut your hair."
("Sri Gur Granth Parkash" by Bhai Rattan Singh Bhangu, page 78)
Holiness and Spirituality
Turban is a symbol of spirituality and holiness in
Sikhism. When Guru Ram Dass Ji left for heavenly abode, his elder son Pirthi Chand wore a
turban, which is usually worn by an elder son when his father passes away. (In the same
manner) Guru Arjan Dev was honored with the turban of Guruship.
Marne di pag Pirthiye badhi. Guriyaee pag Arjan Ladhi.
("Partakh Hari," Jiwni Guru Arjan Dev Ji, by Principal Satbir Singh)
Guru Angad Dev honored Guru Amardas ji with a turban
(Siropa) when he was made the Guru.
Baptism ceremony is one of the most important ceremonies
in a Sikhs' life. That ceremony cannot be completed without wearing a turban.
The most revered Sikh symbol is hair. The turban is
required of every Sikh in order to cover his/her hair. This is the primary reason the comb
(kangha) is one of the five requirements in the Sikh way of life.
Guru Angad Dev ji honored Guru Amardas ji with a turban
(Siropa) when he was made the Guru. Similarly, the Turban (Dastaar) has remained the key
aspect in a Sikh's honour. Those who have selflessly served the community are honoured
with Turbans.
Baptism ceremony is one of the most important ceremonies
in a Sikhs' life. That ceremony cannot be completed without wearing a turban. Indeed, a
short-turban (called a keski) is one of the five requirements of baptized Sikhs. The most
revered Sikh symbol is hair. The turban is required of every Sikh in order to cover
his/her hair. This is also the primary reason the comb (kangha) is another one of the five
requirements in the Sikh way of life.
All the Sikh Gurus wore turban. Throughout our short
history, all Sikhs have been required to do so. The Turban has indeed become synonymous
with Sikhism. Yet, other religions such as Hinduism, Islam and even Christianity have
similar tenets as evidenced by the following:
Once they enter the gates of the inner Court, they are
to wear linen vestments, They shall wear linen turbans, and linen drawers on their loins.
(Old Testament: Ezekiel 44:18-19)
 Turban as a Robe of Honor
The highest honor that a Sikh religious organization can
bestow upon any individual is a Siropa. It is a blessing of the Guru which is bestowed
upon a person who has devoted a major portion of his/her life for the welfare of the Sikh
or the humanity in general. Sometimes a Siropa is also bestowed upon the families of Sikhs
martyrs.
Turban in Social Life
Muslim men and women in many countries still wear turban.
It is said that the Egyptians removed their turban during mourning.
Even in Punjab removing a turban from a person's head was
considered a sign of mourning . Bhai Gurdas, a Sikh savant, who was contemporary of the
several Sikh Gurus writes in his Vars:
Tthande khuhu naike pag visar(i) aya sir(i) nangai | Ghar vich
ranna(n) kamlia(n) dhussi liti dekh(i) kudhange |
(Vara(n) Bhai Gurdas, Var 32, pauri 19)
Translation:
A person, after taking a bath at the well during winter
time, forgot his turban at the well and came home bareheaded. When the women saw him at
home without a turban, they thought someone had died and they started to cry.
There are many Punjabi idioms and proverbs that describe
how important is a turban in one's life.
Pag Vatauni (Exchange of Turban)
People in Punjab have been and still do exchange turbans
with closest friends. Once they exchange turbans they become friends for life and forge a
permanent relationship. They take a solemn pledge to share their joys and sorrows under
all circumstances. Exchanging turban is a glue that can bind two individuals or families
together for generations.
Turban as a Symbol of Responsibility
People who have lived in India would know the turban
tying ceremony known as Rasam Pagri (Turban Tying Ceremony). This ceremony takes place
once a man passed away and his oldest son takes over the family responsibilities by tying
turban in front of a large gathering. It signifies that now he has shouldered the
responsibility of his father and he is the head of the family.
Turban and Sikh Military Life
Turban is a symbol of honor and self-respect. The Sikh
Army fought their last major battle against the British in 1845. All the Sikh soldiers and
generals were wearing turbans at that time. Shah Muhammad, a great Punjabi poet and
historian, who witnessed that war, writes:
Pishe baitth sardara(n) Gurmatta kita, Koi akal da
karo ilaj yaro. Sherh burshia(n) di sade pesh ayee, Pag dahrhia(n) di rakho laaj yaro.
The Sikh chiefs took a unanimous and firm religious
decision (Gurmatta), that they should have sense enough to judge the tenor of Maharani
Jinda(n) Kaur and the crafty britishers. They said that they were facing a very shrewd
enemy and it was high time for them to save their honor because they were wearing turbans
and beards (both symbols of self-respect).
The Sikh soldiers refused to wear helmets during World
War I and World War II. They fought with turbans on their heads. A Sikh (Khalsa) is
supposed to be fearless. Wearing a helmet is admitting fear of death. Many Sikhs received
Victoria Cross which is one of the most prestigious gallantry awards in the British army.
Many Sikhs refused to remove turban even in jails. Bhai
Randhir Singh, a widely respected Sikh preacher, scholar and a freedom fighter had to
undergo a fast to win his right to wear turban in the prison.
High Moral Values
Sikh history is full of facts that men and women of other
faiths such as Hindus and Muslims felt safe when there was a Sikh around them. They felt
secure from invaders and other people when Khalsa was around. The woman or the oppressed
would feel safe and sound under the protection of "khalsa". It was a common
saying in Punjab:
"Aye nihang, booha khol de nishang"
Translation: The Nihangs (Sikhs) are at the door. Dear
woman! go ahead open the door without any fear whatsoever.
In the ancient times, the Sikhs men had to fight tough
battles with the rulers. They moved from village to village at night. Sometimes they had
to hide. Women folks had a very high degree of trust in the Nihangs (Sikhs) who can be
clearly identifed with a turban and beard. Women knew that the Nihangs (Sikhs) wore high
moral character and never mistreated or molested women. So they fed them and helped them
in whatever way they could.
Turban a Symbol of Missionary Zeal and Courage
There are many references in the Sikh history that
describe how Guru Gobind Singh personally tied beautiful dumalas (turbans) on the heads of
both his elder sons Baba Ajit Singh and Baba Jujhar Singh and how he personally gave them
arms, decorated them like bridegrooms, and sent them to the battlefiled at Chamkaur Sahib
where they both received martyrdom. When the Sikhs go to an agitation (morcha), they
usually wear a safforn color turban which is a symbol of sacrifice and martyrdom. When
Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwalle courted his arrest, he wore a saffron color turban.
Beauty
"khoob teri pagri, meethae tere bol"
In the ancient Egyptian civilization, turban was an
ornamental head dress. They called it pjr from which is perhaps derived the word
"pugree" commonly used in India and other Asian countries.
Kingly Turban
Sign of Sardari.
It was meant for only kings. Minorities were not allowed
to wear turban and kirpan.
"och dumalra"
Most Respectful
Bare head is not considered appropriate as per gurbani:
"ud ud ravaa jhaate paaye, vekhe log hasae ghar
jaaye"
Identity
It provides Sikhs a unique identity. You will see only
Sikhs wearing turban in western countries.
If a Sikhs likes to become one with his/her Guru, he/she
must look like a Guru (wear a turban). Guru Gobind Singh has said,
"Khalsa mero roop hai khaas. Khalse me hau karo
niwas."
Translation:
Khalsa (Sikh) is a true picture of mine. I live in a
Khalsa.
According to the historical accounts, Guru Gobind Singh
tied almost 18 inches high dumala (turban) just before he left for heavenly abode.
[ Courtesy:Bhai Surinder Singh
Ji and Bhai Tarlochan Singh Jee ] |
