A turban is a kind of headwear based on cloth winding; there are many variations, says Wikipedia.
Turbans are customary in many communities in India, the Philippines, Afghanistan, the Middle East, in some areas of North Africa, in eastern Africa (especially in Kenya), South Asia, and some parts of Jamaica.
For Sikhs, originally from Punjab in India, wearing the turban, which they refer to as Dastar, is an important religious observance.
In India 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.
The men of many Islamic cultures wear a turban-style headdress, often in emulation of the Prophet Muhammad, who is believed to have worn a black or white turban.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Studying India: lessons in turban tying
