Do You Think That These Are The Best Solutions For Your Problem?

Exclusive Free Download!

Design Variations On The Punjabi Turban

By Nita McKinney


In countries all around the world, billions of people choose to wear some form of head covering as a way to show personal style, as a cultural tradition or because of religious beliefs. In some circles, all three of these reasons are actually the same thing. Many members of the Sikh faith wear some type of Punjabi turban on a daily basis.

The Sikh religion began roughly six centuries ago in India and though still prominent there and in Pakistan, it is practiced worldwide. Members of this faith wear turbans to symbolize their commitment to live a life of self respect, honor, piety and courage. Though most people choose to wear the coverings from an early age, it becomes mandatory for a man once he has been baptized.

This religion does not believe in cutting their hair as a way of showing respect for what God has created. The turban is worn to cover the hair though there is no particular meaning to the different colors or styles that are used. While some designs are automatically associated with this faith, the people are not required to wear any particular fashion and are free to exercise a bit of personalization.

Proper hair preparation must be done before one begins to wrap their turban. All tresses are combed through and then gathered into a knot that has been either twisted or braided on the crown of the head near the front and then covered by a snug cloth known as a patka. This is how one keep from getting stray strands from getting tangled in the headdress as it is being formed or during daily activity.

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.

One of the more popular style of Punjabi headdress is the Double Patti, or Nok. This is an extra large version which begins by sewing two three meter pieces of cloth together. The end result has a bulkier appearance than other models but it is easier to do because it requires one to utilize fewer twists and wraps.

Perhaps not as popular as it once was, but very flattering to broader faces, is an older version known as the Patiala Shahi. It is recognized by its distinctive sharp triangular section on the forehead where the color of the patka is shown, and its rounded look with a flattened back side. This design takes at least seven and a half meters of fabric and consists of many layers.

People of the Sikh faith wear any number of different styles of Punjabi turban. There is no religious or social significance to the design or colors of the wrappings as they are just a matter of personal preference. It helps members of this culture to recognize each other in public and stands as a way to show commitment to the teachings of their belief system.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment