Turbans are worn all around the world in different shapes, colors and faiths. Turban is a long thin piece of cloth (muslin cotton or silk) which is wrapped around the upper part of the head.

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History of the turban: Origin of the turban is uncertain. While studying history of mathematics, I learned that the turban was part of the dress in Egyptian civilization. Persians also worn turban (a long cone shaped cap wrapped around by the cloth).

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Prophet Mohammed used to wear turban and it became very popular in Muslim Community. Turban is very popular in Hindu Community too specially on the time of special occasions such as marriage ceremonies or festivals.

I belong to Sikh Community and I found out long ago why we have to wear the turban. As a Sikh I learned at very young age that the hairs are the gift of GOD and I should not trim them. I was told that and I believed it till I was 20 and even grew my beard.

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Then I stopped to trust this saying and started to trim my beard. I thought why do I believe what is told to me. Couple years passed by then I found that I was losing my spirituality; I was losing that connection to the source that I used to have before.

Then I researched more about the hairs and I found that in ancient India “Rishies” used to keep the hairs and long uncut beard and made a knot called “Rishi Knot” of head hairs on the top of their head. By the way “A Rishi” means a person who can control the flow of energy in the body and the hair knot and long beard are very helpful to channel energy into the right direction.

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We have nine visual and open gates to the body but the tenth one is locked & hidden. The tenth gate to the body is on the top of our head (also known as the crown chakra). Hairs act as antennae and can be used to make the “Rishi Knot” on the top of the head or solar centre. Men have only one solar centre on top of the head near the front. Women have two solar centres; first one is at the centre of the crown chakra and the second one is at the back top of the head. The long hairs help to channel the energy in the direction of spiritually focused thoughts.

That’s why the turban became mandatory for Sikhs since the inception of the religion in 15th century. Once I learned that, I started to grow my beard again. My thoughts started to change again a little while later and became more spiritually focused.

The need of turban is all about protecting your “Rishi Knot” and hair from Sun and other extreme weather conditions. It also act as the dress code and a symbol of discipline, respect and dignity.

I (and all Sikhs) wear turban outdoors as well as indoors. Indoors such as staying home I have a small turban which is more comfortable.

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It takes about 5 minutes for me to tie it up and small one just 30 to 40 seconds. Below are the different types and colors of the turbans worn by Sikhs all around the world.

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Please let me know if you enjoyed my presentation and if it made you more informed about the turban.

God Bless

Manjit

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