Turbans

[third eye]

A very important part of the attire in S Asia is ( was ?) the Turban.

In this thread I propose to share information on turbans, something we all have seen our forefathers wear but now has lost relevance. It is still seen / worn in rural areas and in towns / cities its use has been restricted to ceremonies and functions.

A turban besides having social implications also served as a indicator of a man’s social status, his status within the family and so many other things. It prevented heat / sun stroke. Most of us will recall that rarely did our elders leave the house bare headed. The nape of the neck always stayed covered – something that is medically correct.

IMPORTANCE OF "PAAGH-PAAGHDI AND SAAFA" IN ANCIENT INDIAN CULTURE

(1) In ancient Indian society Paagh-Paaghdi and Saafa spoke of a person's/ Individual's caste, creed, religion and sect.

(2) In ancient times through his Paagh-Paaghdi and Saafa, an individual's village, town, region & country could be identified.

(3) Paag-Paaghdi & Saafa were instrumental in recognising an Individual's social,economic and political status.

(4) In ancient times Indain history also speaks of several wars fought for the pride & honour of Paagh-Paaghdi.

(5) "CHANGE THE PAAGHDI" - The history is also a witness to several occasions of exchange of 'Paaghdi' to save its peoples' life & property and to ensure the security of a particular state.

(6) An Individual's wearing of Paagh-Paaghdi and Saafa symbolised his valour & to secure its pride & honourwas considered to be an act of bravery.

(7) The information regarding an individual was evident from the manner in which his Paagh-Paaghdi and Saafa is tied & drapped. In ancient times, looking to an individual's Paagh-Paaghdi and Saafa's sheerelegance & tightness, it could be said whether he was brave or coward, an upright man or honest or a thief.

(8) An insult of Paagh-Paaghdi and Saafa was equated with the insult of its bearer - as was believed in ancient times. For its pride & honour, the history speaks of several occasions when blows of swords were exchanged for enemies blood.

(9) In ancient period Paagh-Paaghdi and Saafa were considered to be a man's prized belongings, invaluable in nature.

(10) The information of a person's death during the war for the country's honour was symbolized when a Paagh-Paaghdi of that person was brought with full state honours from the battle field.

(12) In the present age, 'Paaghdi' has acquired importance in terms of paying "paaghdi" to acquire somespace or shope for business.

 

[third eye]

Turbans in Islam

The men of many Islamic cultures wear or wore a turban-style headdress, often in emulation of the Prophet Muhammad, who is believed to have worn a black or white turban.[1] In Islam, the turban is a Sunnah Mu'akkadah . Head wraps that men wear are called several names and worn in different ways depending on the sect of Islam, region and culture. Examples include (Arabic: عمامة&#8206 in Arabic, (Persian: دستا&#1585 in Persian.

In Shi'a Islam, a black head wrap around a small white prayer cap is worn by descendants of Muhammad, and black turbans by well-educated persons and scholars. Black or white turbans are worn by the Taliban symbolizing they are descendants of Muhammad. Green turbans are a distinctive feature of a Hajji. In Sudan, large white head dresses connote high social status. Other sects of Muslims would wear a green head wrap around a small white cap or just the white prayer cap alone.

In most countries of the Arabian peninsula, the preferred form of turban is a plain or checkered scarf (called keffiyeh, ghutrah or shumagh), though the Arabic Amamah tradition remains strong in Oman (see Sultan Qaboos of Oman), Egypt, Sudan and some parts of the Arabian peninsula.

In Pakistan the prayer cap is called a topi, see Topi cap and the traditional men's attire is called a salwar kameez. Women of Islam are not allowed to wear turbans, women's clothing is called a Burqa which is to cover their face and bodies in public places.

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Indian turbans

In India the turban is referred to as a pagri, meaning the headdress that is worn by men and is manually tied. There are several styles, specific to the wearer's region or religion, and they vary in shape, size and colour. The pagri is a symbol of honour and respect everywhere it is worn; it is a common practice to honour important guests by offering them one to wear. Colours are often chosen to suit the occasion or circumstance: for example saffron, associated with valour, is worn during rallies; white, associated with peace, is worn by elders; and pink, associated with spring, is worn during that season or for marriage ceremonies.

During the British period the Muslim elites of South Asia, especially in western Punjab, used to wear a long pagri which was also a symbol of nobility, honour and respect. In the Muslim majority regions of Punjab and Sindh members of the land aristocracy always wore elaborate turbans known as the pagri. It was a part of the full formal dress that included the sherwani.

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Sikh turbans

The Sikh turban, known as the Dastar or a Dumalla, is mandatory for all Khalsa Sikhs to wear. (In the West, many Sikhs who wear pagri, olden Arab style turban, are sometimes mistaken for Muslims or Arabs. The Sikhs have a long history of being warriors and referred to as saint-soldiers, since their rise in the 1600-1700's. Their turban style and attire gives the identity of a warrior religion.

All Sikh Gurus since Guru Nanak Dev Ji have worn turbans. However, covering one's hair with a turban was made an official policy by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs. The main reasons to wear turban are to take care of the hair, promote equality, and preserve the Sikh identity.

As a symbol of respect for God, Sikhs do not cut their hair. The turban protects the hair and keeps it clean. Because Sikhs believe God to be present everywhere, they wear their turban at all times.

As Sikhs only form 2% of India’s population, their warrior style turbans also help identify them. When he institutionalized the turban as a part of the Sikh identity, Guru Gobind Singh Ji said, “My Sikh will be recognized among millions.”

The Dumalla or full name Chand Tora Dumalla is the style of turban generally worn by Sikhs in battle. The "Chand Tora" is a metal symbol consisting of a crescent sword and a double edged sword, it is held in place at the front of the turban by a woven chainmail cord tied in a pattern within the turban to protect the head from slashing weapons. The Chand actually is a symbol of Shiva who is always shown with a crescent in his hair. Shiva is considered a very powerful mythological figure. So the crescent (Chand) being in the Singh's Dumalla along with a Khanda and Kirpan shows that Singh's are as mighty, if not more, than Shiva. The purpose of the Tora is to keep the dastaar together. It goes over the bunga to protect it and protect the dasam dwar. Also used for keeping shastars together. In the past every Sikh wore this type of turban, known as a Dumalla, even still to this day many Sikhs in the Punjab still wear the Chand Tora Dumalla, known as the Nihangs.

In addition, turbans were formerly associated with the upper class, and many cultural elites still wear turbans. This distinction between the turban-wearing upper class (Sardars) and commoners promoted segregation and elitism. In order to eliminate the class system associated with turbans, Guru Gobind Singh Ji declared each and every Sikh a Sardar. He also rejected the class system by giving all Sikhs the last names Singh and Kaur.

The most common colors worn by Sikhs are blue, orange, white and black. Sikhs also decorate their turbans or Dumalla in a warrior way by wearing small weapons known as Shastars in their turbans.

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Afghan turbans

Turbans are part of the national dress in Afghanistan. In this particularly pious country, they are used more widely than elsewhere in the Muslim world, and are worn in a wide range of styles and colors. The turbans worn by the Taliban are either black (for descendants of Muhammad) or white, and have particularly long tails, while most other Afghans prefer shades of gray, green and brown. In the country's southeast, turbans are wrapped loosely and largely, whereas in Kabul turbans tend to be smaller and tighter. In traditional Afghan society, Turbans also serve practical purposes such as for wrapping oneself against the cold, to sit on, to tie up an animal or to carry water in the cap.

In 2011 during the war in Afghanistan, a number of suicide bombers used their turbans to hide bombs in – a phenomenon termed "turban-borne improvised explosive device" (TBIED) by American troops. In response to this, turbans are now systematically searched during security checks, a practice perceived as demeaning by many Afghans

 

[third eye]

Turban- Pride of Rajasthan The Jodhpuri Tourban

The turbans of Rajasthan are the most colourful and impressive in whole of the India. The use of turbans was basically started by the Rajput community, who reside in the Indian state of Rajasthan. They used to wear distinct turbans and the Hindi pronouncation of turban is Paag, Safa or Pagri. Once you experience the royal culture of Rajasthan, you will be amazed with the variations of colourful turbans.

It is said that the style of the turban changes with every 15 km you travel within the geographical boundaries of Rajasthan. In some parts of the region, the size of turban indicates the position of the person in the society they live.

Relevance Behind Each Coloured Turban!!!

Turbans add brilliant splash of colour and style to monotonous and barren lands. Each colour has its own importance and significance like Ochre is the colour of the mendicant, while the saffron is commonly worn at the time of weddings. In the medieval past, the colour saffron also denoted valour and chivalry. When besieged by an enemy, and food and water supplies were scanty, desperate warriors wearing saffron turbans would sneak out of their citadels to lead sudden surprise attacks on the enemy.

Turbans of specified colours are worn to mark periods of mourning. A white turban is worn for funeral processions by immediate family members. Whereas the khaki, blue and dark maroon are reserved for the solemnity of a condolence visit. Whereas in Rajasthan each caste have their own distinguishing colours, by which they are recognised, like shepherds wear red turbans, Bishnois, who are known as the most nomadic shepherd tribes and environmental conservationists, always wear white turbans and the other tribal communities wear printed turbans.

Thus, the painted area is then wrapped with the tissue, plastic, or medical tape to lock in the body heat, so that it can create more intense colour on the skin. The wrap is worn overnight and then removed in the next morning. Which when washed, leaves a rich reddish brown colour on the surface of skin and can last somewhere from one to three weeks, depending on the quality of the paste.

Seasonal Turbans!!!

Some turban colours are seasonal to wear like in between February and March, flowers bloom and crops are harvested, it makes the best time for tourists to see the royal Rajasthani men, wearing a falgunia turban having white and red designs. Whereas in the month of July, the predominant colour is motiya or pearl pink. A green and pink striped or yellow and red striped lahariya turban, where the colours are tie dyed in waves, are worn during the time of monsoon. Whereas the Pancharanga is the distinguishing turban in the colourful soil of Rajasthan.

Different Turbans For Different Festivals!!!

The famous Black Chunari (tie dyed) with the red borders is mainly used at the time of Diwali (festival of lights). The Falgunia Turban, having white and red patterns is wore at the time of Holi (festival of colour). A bright Saffron colour turban for Dassehra festival, held in the month of October.

Different Turbans For Different Festivals

The Mothara turban, with tiny round designs is wore at the time of Raksha Bandhan (festival, when brothers pledge to protect sisters). yellow turban for Basant Panchami (spring festival) and the light pink turban is wore in the month of October, at the time of Sharad Poornima (full moon night). Commonly called a Safa, this beautiful turban is nine meters long and about one meter wide.

Advantages of Turbans!!!

The turban's size and shape is influenced by the climatic conditions of the different regions. Turbans in the hot desert areas are large and loose. Farmers and shepherds, who need constant protection from the elements of nature, wear some of the most voluminous turbans. They also have many practical functions.

Exhausted travellers use it as a pillow, a blanket or a towel. Water, if muddy, can be strained through a turban. Unraveled, it can be used as a rope to draw water from a well with a bucket. The Maharajahs of Rajasthan were known for their colourful traditional costumes and grand turbans. The people of Rajasthan down the years would adopt approximately the same style of headgear as the reigning king.

 

[third eye]

It is amazing to know that there almost 1000 styles and types of turbans in Rajasthan. Tying turban is an art that require lots of practice. To get that perfect turban needs patience and skills. In the olden days, the Rajputana rulers used to hire skilled maidens to tie their turbans. The style of tying a turban changes after every 15 kilometers within the area (that itself is incredible). Not only this, one can easily know about a person’s position in the society by the size of his turban.

Different Occasion, Different Colored Turbans

It is a universal fact that our mood rules the choice of color. The kind of color we wear everyday is a reflection of our current state of mind and mood. If we are happy we like bright and cheerful colors like red, orange, green and yellow but when we are sad we tend to go for dull colors such as grey, brown and black. Turbans are no different as different colored turbans are worn by people for different occasion. Interestingly, one can easily identify various tribes of people in Rajasthan with the colors of their turbans.

Ochre Color: The color is associated with mendicant and vagabond.

Saffron Color: The color of valor and chivalry. In the past warriors used to wear saffron turbans when they go to battle field.

Saffron turban is also worn during festival time like Dussehra.

Red & Pink Colors: These bright and happy colors are usually worn during weddings. Shepherds in Rajasthan wear red turbans and they are recognized by red color turbans.

White Color: White color is a symbol of mourning and is worn during the funeral by the family members of the dead person. The white color is also associated with Nature loving tribe Bishnois who always wear white turbans.

Khaki, Blue and Dark Maroon Colors: These colors are reserved for the solemnity of a condolence visit.

Printed Color: Other tribal communities in the state wear printed color turbans.


Different Seasons, Different Turbans

Turbans in Rajasthan are seasonal like vegetables. Color of turbans also changes according to season.

February and March: Perhaps the best time of the year with flowers blooming everywhere and crop harvested. The royal Rajasthani men can be seen wearing Falgunia Turban having white and red designs.

July: Motiya or pearl pink is the turban color that rule this month.

Monsoon: A green and pink striped or yellow and red striped lahariya turbans are worn during the monsoon.

Different Festivals, Different Turbans

Diwali: Men can be seen adorning Black Chunari (tie dyed) with the red borders turbans during the festival of lights.

Holi: The festival of color is synonymous with the Falgunia Turban, having white and red patterns.

Dussehra: A bright Saffron color turban is worn during Dussehra festival that is held in the month of October.

Raksha Bandhan: The brother-sister festival where brothers pledge to protect their sisters is celebrated by wearing the Mothara Turban, with tiny round designs.

Basant Panchami : The spring festival is welcomed by wearing yellow turban.

Sharad Poornima: Light pink turban dominates during full moon night.

Popular Turbans

The tradition of wearing turban is not restricted to Rajasthan alone. It is found in all the four corners of the country.

Sikh Turban: Sikh religion forbids men to cut their hair. So to manage their long hair, Sikh men wear turban which is known as dastar. Turban is much revered in the Sikh religion.

Rajasthani Turbans: Rajasthan is a very famous for its colorful diverse kinds of pagdi or safa as turbans are known here. On different occasion you will find men wearing different turbans befitting the occasion. Also the size of turban determine about the status and position of an individual in the society.

Mysori Turbans: A source of pride, turbans in the districts of Kodagu and Mysore, turban is known as Mysore peta. Famous personalities are honored by presenting them the Mysore peta. On special occasions, men in the district of Kodagu match their ethnic dress with a turban.

Turbans in Muslim Community: It is customary among the Muslims to wear turban. Known as ‘imamah,’ the turban is regarded as an important head-dress.

Benefits of Wearing Turban

If you think wearing turban is cumbersome and without any advantage, think again. You may be wrong. Given below are some facts that will clear your doubts.

i) Farmers and Shepherds: The voluminous turbans in fact protect them from heat and other nature elements.
ii) Travelers: The turbans can come in handy as pillow, blanket or even towel for a weary traveler.
iii) Turban can be used to strained mud from muddy water.
iv) It can be used as rope to draw water from a well with a bucket.

 

[livingdead]

Disadvantage: Your hair smells.

 

[Zabaniyah]

I am a Muslim. I have never worn a turban in my life.

Perhaps the first the last instant I'm ever going to wear one is during my marriage(?)

 

[Roybot]

Disadvantage: Your hair smells.

Its the same with any head gear, even baseball caps will make your hair smell.

 

[third eye]

Indian turban is a headdress consisting of long scarf-like single piece of cloth, wound around the head. It is worn by a certain section of men in India and is very much a part of the country's culture and tradition. The mention of turban in the sacred Indian scriptures, like the Vedas, proves that it was a crucial part of Indian men's costume, even during Vedic times. Though the popularity of the head turban has somewhat waned with the modernization of man, yet even today, whenever it's donned, it's done so with a lot of dignity and honor.

In the colorful Indian state of Rajasthan, the people of the Rajput community wear very prominent, majestic-looking, turbans. In the Hindi language, a turban is called a Pagri or Safa and you will find many designs and styles of the Pagdi being worn by the Rajasthanis. These two factors are important because they signify the social status of the turban wearer. For instance, the turban of a person belonging from the aristocratic class may be made of silk cloth, whereas a peasant may simply tie his towel around his head as turban.

The wearing of the turban costume in India has many connotations. In old days, the long strip of the turban cloth was soaked in water at a well and then wrapped around the head. The layers of wet cloth provided the much-needed relief from the scorching sun outside. Also, it was very handy in fending off the desert sand and keeping the hair neat and tidy. Most importantly, a pagri is a symbol of dignity in present times. In India, people of different community may wear their turban differently.

It is closely associated with the Sikh faith in India. Men of this community undergo a type of baptism to join the Khalsa and are, thus, debarred from cutting their hair the whole life. The Sikh men are, thus, required to wear a turban to manage their long hair. The turban cloth is usually five meters, or less, in length and the turban wearers wind it anew every time they don the headdress. Though Sikh women joining the Khalsa are not really required to wear the turban, yet some of them do so. The Punjabi name for turban is Dastar.

Afghan men wear a variety of turbans, and even within the Taliban, the strict Islamic government that controls much of the country, there are differences in the way men cover their heads. This Taliban member, for example, is wearing a very long turban — perhaps two twined together — with one end hanging loose over his shoulder. And some men in Afghanistan do not wear turbans at all, but rather a distinctive Afghan hat.

 

[third eye]

Muslim religious elders, like this man from Yemen, often wear a turban wrapped around a cap known in Arabic as a kalansuwa. These caps can be spherical or conical, colorful or solid white, and their styles vary widely from region to region. Likewise, the color of the turban wrapped around the kalansuwa varies.

White is thought by some Muslims to be the holiest turban color, based on legends that the prophet Mohammed wore a white turban. Green, held to be the color of paradise, is also favored by some. Not all Muslims wear turbans. In fact, few wear them in the West, and in major cosmopolitan centers around the Muslim world, turbans are seen by some as passé.

 

[SHAMK9]

The only time most of the Pakistanis will ever wear a turban would be on their marriage.

 

[Chinese-Dragon]

Some minorities in China have such headwear as a part of their culture.

Like the Zhuang for example:

Though it's not really a Turban in the traditional sense.

 

[third eye]

Sikh men commonly wear a peaked turban that serves partly to cover their long hair, which is never cut out of respect for God's creation.

Devout Sikhs also do not cut their beards, so many Sikh men comb out their facial hair and then twist and tuck it up into their turbans along with the hair from their heads.

Sikhism originated in northern India and Pakistan in the 15th century and is one of the youngest of the world's monotheistic religions. There are an estimated 18 million Sikhs in the world, with some 2 million spread throughout North America, Western Europe and the former British colonies.

 

[third eye]

The kaffiyeh is not technically a turban. It is really a rectangular piece of cloth, folded diagonally and then draped over the head — not wound like a turban.

Yasser Arafat, the Palestinian leader, has made the kaffiyeh famous in recent times. However, the kaffiyeh is not solely Palestinian. Men in Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the Arab Persian Gulf states wear kaffiyehs in colors and styles that are particular to their region.

Jordanians, for example, wear a red and white kaffiyeh, while Palestinians wear a black and white one. And a man from Saudi Arabia would likely drape his kaffiyeh differently than a man from Jordan. The black cord that holds the kaffiyeh on one's head is called an ekal.

 

[third eye]

Iranian leaders wear black or white turbans wrapped in the flat, circular style shown in this image of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The word turban is thought to have originated among Persians living in the area now known as Iran, who called the headgear a dulband.

 

[BJP*]