What is the significance of the turban to a Sikh?

Why should a Sikh wear or not wear a turban? What is the significance of the turban to a Sikh?

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WJKK WJKF I ADDED MY THOUGHTS HERE EARLYER AS WELL, AFTER BEING QUITE DISAPPOINTED WITH WHAT SOME SO CALLED SIKHS WERE WRITING, DONT GIVE ME BULL AND TELL PEOPLE HARASS U AND MAKE U FEEL BAD WHEN U WEAR A TURBEN, BECUASE OUR BROTHERS OUR SHAABJADA BROTHERS GAVE THERE LIVES SO WE COULD STAND OUT, DID THEY SAY OHH NO THEY GONNA KILL US BY SUFCATING US??? DID THEY SAY OH PLEASE DONT MAKE FUN OF US WE WILL BECOME WHAT U WANT US TO BE... PEOPLE THESE DAYS WALK AROUND CALLING THEM SELF SIKHS YET THEY DONT HAV ETHE BALL STO STAND UP FOR THEIR OWN RELIGION OF THATS NOT SAD I DON KNOW WHAT IS.... IF I WAS IN SUCH A POSITION WHICH I HAVE BEEN... I WOULDNT LET IT EFFECT ME TO A POINT WHERE I GIVE UP THE ROOP GURU SHAIB GAV EME TO FIT IN OR SOME BULL, BECAUSE WHEN U GIVE IN THAT SENDS A MSG THAT I M NTO STRONG ENOUGH TO DEFEND MY RELIGION THAT GIVE STHEM THE RIGHT TO GO AND MAKE FUN OF SOMEONE ELSE TOM.... I MEAN NOW ADAYS ALL PEOPLE CARE ABOUT IS FITTING IN AND MAKING SURE THEY`R LIFE IS BEING DISTRACTED BY THEIR TURBEN.. IF U GIVE UP THAT EASY THEN THERES SOMTHING SERIOUSLY WRONG. JUST CUZ UR NOT IN INDIA DONEST MEAN U GIVE UP UR RELIGION FOR THE HOPES OF FITTING IN.... ALOT OF SIKHS THAT WEAR TURBENS GO THROUGH SHIT.. AND WHAT MAKES DIFFERNT FROM U IS THAT THEY ARE STRONGER INTERNALLY AND CAN FIGHT OF WHAT PEOPLE SAY, THEY DOTN HAV ETHE NEED TO FIT IN.. LIKE SOME PEOPLE... IF I OFFENED PEOPLE GOOD!!! BECAUSE ITS THE COLD BITTER TRUTH AND SOMONE NEEDS TO TELL U PEOPLE OF!!! CUZ IF A GORA WAS WRITING THIS KINDA CRAP U PEOPLE R WRITING... IF WOULD OFFEND U ALL, IT OFFENDS ME EVEN MORE THAT ITS MY SO CALLED OWN PEOPLE THAT ARE TALLKING SHIT ABOUT SIKHI!! IF U HAVE A PROBELM WITH WHAT I SAID MY E-MAILS THUG_JUBBIE@HOTMAIL.COM.. I`D B MORE THEN HAPPY TO DISCUSS IT WITH.... GUR FATEH!!! STAY IN CHARDIE FOR THOSE PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE STRENGTH TO...
-- Harpreet , thug_jubbie@hotmail.com


I`m glad you`re fascinated by the Sikhs and uncut hair. No, it is not taboo to ask about long hair. I suggest you read "Hair Power," by Sarup Singh Alag, go to http://www.sikhreview.org/hairpower1.html for an excerpt from his book. They also have another article written by Sarup Singh Alag about hair on this site at http://www.punjabonline.com/servlet/library.articles?Action=Display&Param=2#some. I recommend reading Hail Hair by Birendra Kaur at http://www.gurmat.info/sms/smspublications/Hail%20Hair.pdf for understanding more about Sikhism and hair. For tips on hair care for long hair, go to http://www.tlhs.org/care.html and links for hair maintenance, go to http://www.tlhs.org/links.html. I`ve had long hair all my life, and now that I am mature I see that you can never go wrong with a good conditioner. Always try to keep your hair moist, with either oil or leave-in conditioner. Braiding your hair at night keeps it from getting tangled overnight. This is all I can tell you, as I am going to address the turban question right now. If I were a Sikh man and were I to wear a turban, I`d wear it because: I have a deeper understanding of my faith; I`d try to be a role model for the Sikh youth; I`d be proud to wear it anywhere I go; and I`d be honoring myself for what I believe in. Live life in the open, and do not be afraid. Didn`t hundreds and thousands of people die for Sikhism? Some youths may not agree with my statements. People lose the whole aspect of belonging to a religion in that they only turn to it when it is convenient for them, or when they need help in their lives. I refer to these people as half-wayers as they are not really into their religion, but still call/label themselves as being part of that religion. I love turban wearing Sikh men in that it takes strength, courage, and honor to wear a turban. Go read more about the turban and the covering of the head at http://www.punjabonline.com/servlet/library.articles?Action=Display&Param=2#intro as Sarup Singh Alag will explain it more clearly for both genders. Thank you.
-- Elizabeth , senseielizabeth@yahoo.com


For obvious reasons (see my email address) I`m fascinated by the Sihk practice of un-cut hair. However, it seems har length and appearance is rarely discussed. Is this a taboo? If not, I would be interested in Sikh experienced of hair growth and length and the challenges of managing uncut hair.
-- A , floorlengthhair@aol.com


1) There is currently a operation taking place under the name of K TO K KAUR TO KHAN. In which our sisters are being mislead about sikhism and are shown the way of islam. Hundreds of sikh girls have been converted in the last few years. Just ask yourself how many sikh girls do you know that are checking a muslim - you will soon realise the extent of the dangerous situation we are facing! If you convert one woman, not only do you convert her, you convert all her future generations that she will give birth to!!! Guru Nanak Dev Ji - Quoted to say why dis-respect women - from whom Kings and saints are born - Guru Gobind Singh Ji - made sikh women Princess`s by giving them the name Kaur! Just look at the fact that sikhi is based on practicality - both women and men are given the same status. 2)Bollywood films - do i need to say anymore - media is a very strong influence on any community especially youngsters. just look at the way the bollywood films are portraying sikhs as a whole - just look at any film and you will see that the Fake singh - is a) either a bad person b) a complete joker c) a drunk d)or a taxi/truck driver. Its a shame that the country we come from portrays sikhs as criminals and jokers. especially after the fact more sikhs have died for india then any other community including muslims and Hindus. what takes the mick even more is that the producers of these films are Hindus and Guru Tegh Bahadur gave his life to protect their religion - this is how they repay us!! what a >shame! 3)Gurdwaras based on caste! how silly is this! because our religion was based on a casteless society!!!! and we have ramgharia. rada sawami, >ravi dass, NAKLI nirinkaris as gurdwara`s?? what the?????? 4) 30,000 sikhs young and old, menand women - were brutally massacred in 1984 in the delhi anti-sikh riots - thousands of sikhs were burnt alive - thousands of sikh women were gang raped in front of their families! 5) 200,000 young sikh men have been tortured to death since operation bluestar by the indian government. PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT AN HATE E-MAIL - THIS IS ALL FACT JUST OPEN YOUR EYES AND YOU WILL SEE - `EVEN WITH LIGHTS SWITCHED ON, WE CAN`T SEE >WHERE WE ARE GOING` We need to unite, stop this silly quarrels with each other and spread the message of sikhi -a religion based on - compassion, practicality, love for all - realise the true message, save yourself and others! recites god name Satnaam Waheguru! PLEASE GIVE THE FOLLOWING TEL NUMBER TO ANYONE WHO YOU KNOW OR KNOW ABOUT WHO IS HAVING A HARD TIME IN LIFE - THE SIKH NATIONAL HELPLINE -08456440704 www.sikh-helpline.com
-- Jasmit , jazzyb_31@hotmail.com


Sat Nam, I am not Skh - though I have studied Kundalini Yoga - which is within the sikh tradition. It strikes me that most of the messages posted are about culture, identity, values and beliefs. in fact the turban - is a spiritual tool. The turbine... the hair is the spiritual antenna of humans and by coiling it at the 7th chakra and covering it - it allows for the build up of spiritual energy - at the 7th chakra. When doing spiritual practice to raise your energy and seek enlightenment, or union with god - the turban provides an aid to the subtle energies which connect you with the infinite. So in fact, it is not just Sikhs who should wear a turban, but in fact anyone who is seeking to raise their Kundalini energy and channel it for the advancement and benefit of all humanity, irrespective of colour race gender sexuality etc. Sat Nam - truth is my identity - that identity is of a spiritual being in physical form. The turban aids my mind/body to maintain a connection with the infinite, through regular sadhana/meditations and kriyas. The turban protects your energy from others - we all know what it means to "let your hair down". putting it up has the opposite effect. This is about being the best person you can be - nothing to do with what others choose for themselves - we are all in different stages of understanding and on our own paths - to judge others for wearing or not wearing a turban according to what religion they are (or not) suppossed to be, misunderstands the nature and purpose of the turban and Sikhism. respectfully Sat Nam, Wahe Guru. Sunil
-- sunil , sunilpuri14@btopenworld.com


Sat Sri Akhal ! I am not a SIKH or a punjabi,even an indian.I`m a sri lankan Buddhist who very interesting in punjabi,sikh people.According to the my point of view, the people those who live in Punjab are the most luckey people in the world.specially sikh. Among the world we ca point out them in a jiffy as they wear the Turban As well As completely beared and having a nice look.So I think they must wear the Turban because it is a one of rewards they have been given by the GURU.Neither they wear the Turban or cut the hair,if they are good in their mind and if they pocess wellcleaned body (jism) the god u believe is always with u. I am PANDA (sri lankan-buddhist) e-mail:nuwanpa@yahoo.com
-- nuwan , dimuthkumar@rediffmail.com


Guru Ke Piario, Waheguruji Ka Khalsa, Waheguruji Ki Fateh! First of all I would like to thank the sponsers and developers of this site who has created such a beautiful site. Second - About the Turban! IT IS A BIG MUST. Have to wear a Turban if you are a sikh. This is certainly your identity and value of Sikh Religion. When a kid is born, parents nurture the kid with the values and traditions. When the kid grows - no matter where the kid goes the values and tradition will remain in him/her. That is way of Sikhi - DONOT FORGET - A SIKH KID IS THE LUCKIEST KID IN THE WORLD. All those who feel Turban is not necessary - YOU ALL SHOULD BE ASHAMED of yourselves. Guru gave you an identity to live and prosper with, and when you lose identity and prosperity, you lose everything - you are nothing in this world. You do not make any difference to anyone, just mere another existence - who knows who you are. Turban, Pug, Dastar - different names, simbolizes one and only one thing that you are a SIKH!. Like some one said - "Lakhan wich iek Sardar, saari duniya pehchaney" When you take off the crown of the head - you are no longer a king! I am mother of two sons, live in USA. My kids go to punjabi school regularly and I teach and preach Sikhi and Punjabi. I FEEL EXTRAORDINARILY PROUD OF MYSELF - THAT GURU GRACED AND BLESSED ME AS A SIKH. Sikh people who chop off their hair - I do not consider them as Sikhs. Our Guru who chopped off his head saying "sees jaye par kase nahi" think of him. Would you chop off your hand or your ear - NO na! then why your hair, just mere convience - PLEASE GIVE ME A BREAK. As you all can read - I am so so very against people who cut their hair just because ... for what ever reason, EVERY SUCH REASON IS WRONG. Waheguruji Ka Khalsa, Waheguruji Ki Fateh!!
-- jasleen , jazleen_k1@yahoo.com


I think it`s really a personal choice whether or not you want to wear the turban. What I do believe is that you cannot tell a person that they shouldn`t be wearing a turban (ie if they are not Sikh or if they haven`t been "baptized" as a Gursikh or if they have cut hair). Wearing a turban is a personal choice. Of course, wearing a turban is like wearing a crown. You don`t ask somebody to take off their crown; but it happens at the airport security checkpoints! Plus we cannot even carry our kirpan (a reminder to find against injustice)--what irony! Our freedom of religion is being comprimised and we must think of other ways to hold onto our heritage. For example, have a small necklace with the khanga,kirpan etc. Of course, wear your kara (you can always put it back on after security checkpoint). I feel naked without wearing my kara; it`s like something is missing. I don`t blame the security officers for making people take off their turban because it is thier job to make sure some jerk isn`t pretending to be a Sikh and bringing in something dangerous under his turban or using the Kirpan as a weapon. Of course, it is an insult to us Sikhs, but we have to understand that we are living in a post-9/11 era and people are STILL ignorant when it comes to knowing the difference between a Sikh and a terrorist.
-- ranjit , dream4jatt@yahoo.com


WEARING A TURBAN FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS AND FOLLOWING SIKH TRADITIONS AND CULTURE IS VERY IMPORTANT,ITS SAD TO SEE THAT MANY OF US SIKHS ARE CUTTING OUR HAIR AND HAVE FORGOTTEN WHO WE ARE AND WHERE WE COME FROM. IM A SIKH JATTI MYSELF BUT THIS DOES NOT MAKE ANYONE IN MY FAMILY BETTER THAN OTHER CASTS.I THINK MEN SHOULD WEAR PUGS FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS AND DO ALL THE `RIGHT` THINGS THAT FOLLOW.IE WEAR A KARA,CARRY A KIRPAN,DONT EAT MEAT,DONT EAT BEEF,NOT TO CAUSE VIOLENCE UN LESS BEING PROVOKED. LASTLY DONT DRINK AND CALL YOUR SELF A TRUE SINGH. WAERING A PUG MEANS TAKING ON ALOT OF THINGS SO RESPECT YOURSELF AND RESPECT YOUR FAITH. PEACE OUT THE ONE AND ONLY KIRAN KAUR.XXXXXX
-- kiran , kiran77@punjabonline.com


I`m coming from the outside here, not being a Sikh myself -- but if I could weigh in for a moment... I think it`s pretty cool that Sikhs have claimed the turban as an important symbol of egalitarianism. It was a way for every man to assert himself -- "Hey, spiritually, I`m just as important as anyone else." As a Christian, I`ve sometimes envied Sikhs their symbol, because we too teach that it`s not a man`s status in this world that`s important. It`s been awesome for me to see a movement among Panjabi Christians to wear the turban, both to stay true to their culture and to say, "Hey, here`s a truth we both on."
-- Shengli , Ren_Shengli@yahoo.com


well...i think that if u wear a pug, u should be a real sikh cuz i know some people who wear pugs and do bad stuff and still call themselves a true sikh. its not rite. i am not saying that u shouldn`t wear a pug, just saying that if u wanna wear a pug, PLEASE don`t do bad stuff. PLEASE. cuz its like INSULTING UR OWN RELEGION. SO, PLEASE DON`T INSULT UR OWN RELEGION.
-- joti , joti2007@hotmail.com


Hi Friends. i feel that turban is not necessary, its a MUST. It gives me a proud feeling of being a sikh. We have great history and culture. turban gives a unique identity in the crowd. when u want a police man in the crowd its easy u can locate him b`cos of his uniform. similarly guruji wanted this uniqueness in every sikh. he wanted a sikh to be special in the crowd. i really pity those so called new generation sikh boys who wear caps. Ur identity is worth maintaining ur turban. JO BOLE SO NIHAL ,,, SAT SHRI AKAL
-- Preet Pann , preetpann@yahoo.com


VAHEGUROOOOOOOOOOOOOO SHAIB JEEEEIOOOOOOO I BEEN READING ALL YOUR THOUGHTS I WOULD HAVE TO SAY MUCH RESPECT TO THOSE WHO KNOW WHAT THEIR TALKIGN ABOUT ....SIKHI IS A VERY UNIQUE DIFFERNT MOST AMAZING RELGION AND FOR SUCH A RELIGION YOU NEED A UNIQUE MAMAZING IDENTY AND THAT IS OUR DAASTARS ... IT IS MOST IMPORTANT FOR A GURASIKH TO WEAR A DAASTAR WEATHER YOU ARE SINGH OR SINGHNEE .... BECAUSE THAT IS GURU JI`S ROOP AND HE HAS GIVEN US A IDENTY... WHAT FOOLS ARE WE ..WE HAVE FORGOTEN WHAT STYLE OUR GURU HAS GIVEN US SOMETHING SO DIFFERNT TO MAKE YOU STAND OUT TO MAKE YOU MORE BEAUTIFUL THEN THE REST. AND YES THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO ABUSE THEIR IDENTY BUT THERES A BAD APPLE ON EVERY TREE .. DONST MAKE THE WHOLE TREE ROTEN!!!! GURU JI CLEARLY SAID KHALSA MAAROO ROOP HA KAAS WE HAVE NO RIGHT TO INSULT ABUSE THE RIGHT OF OUR IDENTY BECAUSE THATS OUR GURU WE`R REPCENTING PEOPLE SHOW SOME RESPECT WHEATHER U ARE AMRITDHAIR OR NOT BECAUSE GURU JI DIDNT GIVE HIS SONS LOOKIGN AT THE FACT U WERE AMRITDHAIR ARE NOT AND THOSE THAT DO WEAR DAASTARS MUCH MUCH MUCH RESPECT BECAUSE THATS SOMETHING YOU CAN`T HIDE. WE CAN HIDE OUR 5 K`S BUT OUR DAASTAR .... WE CAN NOT :):) ENJOY LOVE AND RESPECT YOUR SELFS AFTER ALL YOU ARE THE CHILDERN OF THE KING OF KINGS :) AND FOR THOSE WHO PUT YOU DOWN YOU SHOULD SEE HOW AMAZING IT FEELS ON THE OTHER SIDE ;) LoVe SiNgHnEe HaRpReEt kAuR
-- Harpreet , thug_jubbie@hotmail.com


Sat Sri Akal Monica ji You said, "TURBAN IS NOT IMPORTANT FOR THE SURVIVAL OF SIKH RELIGION AND OUR CULTURE AND WE SHOULD ACCEPT IT AND NOT DENY ! ! THE FACT THAT NEXT GENERATION OF SIKHS WON`T BE WEARING TURBANS AND AS LONG AS THEY KNOW ABOUT THEIR CULTURE AND RELIGION THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT." this is ablslutely wrong. The turban IS important for the survival part of Sikh Religion... Do u know in Sikh history, there was price on every Sikh`s head... they were massacred like as if they are not human during the time of Moghuls in India... even at that time, the Sikhs did NOT cut their beards or took thier tubans off just to "fit in" the society and save their lives because they knew what ti means to be a Sikh of Guru and they well understood that turbans and uncut beard is necessary for the survival of Sikhi. and instead of cutting your brother`s hair.. u could have taught him what it means to be a Sikh and help him do path, nitnem, keertan, naam simran to make his spirit grow and healthy and u will see what kind of person your brother would be one day... BUT you stopped that progress by cutting his...and now u are saying he is happy... wow.. what a BIG misunderstanding!!! you are the only one responsible in ruining your brother`s life... please think my dear sister.. please think.... the youth are the future... and please try to learn about Sikhi and you will be able to see how inportant is the turban for the survinal of the Sikh, the people of chardi kala. hair.... Next thing u said about the next generation of sikhs... how can u tell that they wont be wearing the turbans... this is not true.. being born to Sikh parents does NOT make anyone Sikhs... they have to pratice the Sikh way of Live to become Sikhs... the parents should teach their children what about Sikhi and help them do path and naam simran with them and teach them Sikh history, the history which is SO unique that you will NEVER find anywhere in the word... please aplogize me my dear sister if i hurt you in any way... Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
-- Jaswant , ajnabi_singh@hotmail.com


hi, im not a "jutt or jatt", but the discussion on the turban, this is part of the five k`s, guru ji gave this to us becuase it reflects the sikhism, identifies us from hindus, muzlims. many sikhs have sacrificed their lives because they did not adopt islam. we are here today beacuse of these scarifices. sikhism has faced a lot of struggle through the hands of islamic people. it is a religion of peace, if there was no sikhism then there would be no hinduism, as hindu`s were getting killed or converting to islam. here u guys sorry jatts are arguing about turbans whether we should wear them or not., yes having cut hair does not make u a bad person, but then u are not a guru da sikh. non-turban sikhs many jatts have to wear jewellery in the from of religious symbols to tell others yes im a sikh. why not just wear a turban grow a beard.
-- manni , manni7rehal@aol.com


Please excuse me if I say anything false or offensive. As far as I understand it, it would be inaccurate to say the turban is a `sikh` thing. People have been wearing pughs in Punjab for hundreds of years before Sikhi was even founded. Correct me if I am wrong, but to follow our religion, isn`t it only required to cover one`s head, whether it be with a turban, dastaar, parhna, rumaal or patka? The turban is more of a cultural thing than religious. The pugh is like the equivalent of a crown for Punjabis. It is a source of pride and honor. Sometimes you still hear pughs being referred to as `shaan` (pride). It is part of all of our Punjabiness, which we need to keep alive. One way to do this is to continue to wear turbans. Because you are not wearing a turban does not necessarily make you a bad sikh, it depends on your reasons: are you not wearing a turban in orderr to blend in better, or does it just not suit you, or are you just lazy? For the comments about `jatts` cutting their hair and still wearing turbans: it is not because they`re `faking` being sikh, it is because it is part of their culture as a Punjabi. Anyone who says that theyre cutting their hair and not going against sikhism is just ignorant (and it has nothing to do with being jatt, bhappa, tarkhan, or any caste). Anyways, for those getting teased because of your turban, just try to think on a bigger picture. You shouldn`t let a few racists change your way of life. Sometimes you will hvae to fight back (verbally), but stick with it, if not for yourself, do it for the next sardar kid who comes in, so he won`t have to put up with it. So to sum up, don`t let others change your way of life -- put on your crown, go out into the world, and be proud of what God made you.
-- MajhaJatt , wujatt36@gwu.edu


Hi all,i`ve read a few of the passages written by you guys,there are alot of conflicts between turban wearers and non turban wearers.Before we start pointing fingers and telling each other what we are and what were not,answer some questions, How many of you get up 4o`clock in the morning and do PAAT? How many of you do CHARITY work? How many of you would eat food from the same bowl as a lower caste person? How many of you would let your son or daughter marry into a lower caste? So is it the turban that makes you a Sikh or is it your HEART?
-- permjit , pete.b@cableinet.co.uk


Turban is identification of sikh, sikh can be identified among lakhs of people, but the most disheartening thing is some people cutt their hairs and say they are jatt so they had right to do so , never able to understand what is the diffrence between jatt and sikh both are same i just know that sikhs who work in fields are called jatts, it doesnt mean they had right to cutt hairs, well another thing which is prevailing in our society (delhi)when a guy cutt his hair or trim his beard all sikh community scolds him and called him (mona) and etc, and their is no stoppage for gals they are free for waxing and threading nobody stop ladies for doing this why all this discrimination on ground of gals and guys we should be treated equally , see i am just telling u this what is happening in delhi , i dont have any objection with gal what i want is justice and equality
-- simer , simer@hehe.com


i dont wear a pug does that mean i dont follow the Gurus teachings? well i dont eat any kind of meat or drink or do drugs or smoke etc. but i dont wear a pug and i dont keep a moustace etc but still! u find "sikhs" wearin a pug but they eat meat and drink till they get drunk and go to bars and stuff. but are they more "sikh" than i am?because they have a pug and a bread? Doesnt make sense, when you die is God goin to look to see if you wore a pug or look to see wht deeds you have done??????? huh? think about that and then talk on this msg board! It is the deed that counts not the Turban! God is one God is Great!
-- jaskaran , jaskaran_singh47@hotmail.com


It`s not completly nescciary for Sikhs to wear the turban, but those who don`t should realize that in some people`s eyes they will never be a true sikh, including god! And sikh is not the same thing as punjabi, so if u wanna say u r a punjabi jatt, that doesn`t mean u r a sikh too.
-- baby , baby_billo@yahoo.com


Those that believe hair is non imoportant but only deeds are important is wrong.These are the people that just use this as an excuse. Karam are very important. and so is your dharam. Reason why people cut there i believ is no other reason the fashion. To feel good about your selves. Its just a worldly attachement. Our whole history is based on sacrifice, our gurus bhagats gave up their lives throug this hair. and you poeple ar ecuting it. One shaheed said. touch not my hair, its a gift of my guru, its my faith, his his scalp was torn form his head.. GGS said. khalsa mero roop heh khas.. Our identity is given by our true father who sacrificed his whole familey for us. We are in his DEBT. Think wisley before u make a choice. GGS sai. Savat surat dastar sira. Take coices that please your guru not ur mind. mind revolves around worldy attahments. So please its ur identity which one sees first and it is all up to ! us to spread the message of GGS.. please leave ur hair alone...Godbless
-- mandeep , punjabisonu11@hotmail.com


Does it really matter? Isn`t it what you believe inside that counts regardless of what you wear? Many people wear turbans who don`t follow the religion as they should.
-- Gum , gurminder_kenth@talk21.com


Hi everybody. Yesterday I was going through all the stuff by different persons when I noticed a few things. Few of my fellow friends think that they can mix up very well in the western community by losing their original identities and adapting western life style. But I think they are very wrong. A friend here told that he does not want to beleive in Sikhism and its practices because of a granthi whom he saw in a strip club but my friend this is totally a false excuse that if others are doing this I should also do this.If you wanna make someone your model then choose any great person not these fool fellows.I came to Canada just a week after the september 11th and I don`t think so anything bad happened to me because of my turban.Most of the youngsters are saying these days that we are Jutt Sikh and clean shaven. But I don`t think that they should call themselves Sikh after cutting down their hair.Only Jutt is ! enough. I feel very happy when people from other countries meet me and say` Oh you are a Sikh`. This makes me feel that they know our(Sikhs) presence and we should try to make our presence and identity stronger instead of losing it. ....Aman
-- Aman , amanvassan@rediffmail.com


Bole So Nihaal Satsriakal! Wahe Guru ji Ka Khalsa Waheguruji ki fateh! i would like to tell u peaople that it is not that we sikh wear turban b`cos our tenth guru siad so. before tenth guru there were nine gurus who also used to wear turbans.and it is not that if our gurus used to wear then we also have to wear! Actully its our craze, identification & ya it is also b`cos it is our religious symbol. pag is like a crown on our sikhs head.
-- Tejender Singh , tejender@intesyscomputers.com


Vahiguruji ka khalsa vahiguruji ki fateh! I was not born as a punjabi. I am actually portuguese by origin but I converted to Sikhism. My fiancée is a punjabi sikh herself. I go every uear back to the Punjab and I really feel that I am part of the punjabi community. Altough I still cut my hair (I have a beard) I very often wear a turban not only when I go to the gurdwara but also for other occasions. I really love it. There is this strange mixture of honour, dignity and elegance. Unfortunately my fiancée has mixted feelings about this. Actually I spent a lot of time in Chandigarh this summer and I had the occasion to talk to a lot of young men about this. They tell me that in order to get a girlfriend they have to shave and abandon the turban. This is due to the image of men given in the media like MTV and so on. You never find handsome sardars playing the main caracter in a film. The sardar is never the seductor or the lover. In lmost Bollywood films he has become this groteske clown figure. Girls unfortunately do not like that. I think that a serious effort needs to be done in order to change this. Is it not irony of fate to see that now that sikhs have acquired the legal rights to wear turban and kirpan, sikhs themselves are abandoning it. We need more sardars in the medias who would give a positive image of sikh men in terms of beauty. It sounds really superficial but this is the sad rality.
-- talvar , lalleshvari@hotmail.com


VAHEGURU JI KA KHALSA- VAHEGURU JI KI FATEH. Beside this we are sikh we had to wear turban but the main thing is that its our IDENTITY,our PRIDE.It is significant to us as it give us a different look, a different kind of plasure.Either there are thousands of peoples are standing a SIKH can be spotted from them & one sikh is equal to SAVA LAKH.we wear turban as if there are sikhs standing scattered they can join each other,they can be togeather,in a need of help one sikh can call another.So,always we try to approach one another if we see sikh and never feel shy as we all are same ,as we all are equal.We should celebrate the feeling of togeatherness.
-- rana , ranarajsingh@indiatimes.com


A few days ago while me and my friends were looking at Dragonball Z pictures on the internet at school, a big bot came up to me and said some very unpleasent things about me and my culture. He threatened to beat me up if didn`t take off my stupid turban, thats the words he used. I said no and he said ok fine. I thought it was over, but then after school the boy came up behind me, put me in a headlock, and pulled off my turban. I was very upset, I got out of his headlock and punched him right in the face and made his nose bleed. I`m not proud of what I did, but I did what needed to be done. You should never mess with a boy with a turban on!
-- Gerjinder , fubu84_98@yahoo.com


Gur Fateh to all u Panjabis. Firstly I must say that the Turban (dastar) is not just exclusive to Sardars it is a regional symbol in most of South Asia. Pathans and Turks wore turbans long before we ever did we must not forget that. Guru Gobind Singh also wore a dastar of the Pathan fashion. Our dastar does NOT symbolise religion or spirituality of the inner soul at all it is rather indicative of our Panjabi Soveregnity. During the period of the Mughal Empire people`s dastars were removed and they were only allowed to wear small parnas or patkas like they do in Rajasthan, because the dastar was the sign of supremacy and royalty. Guru Gobind Singh challenged that and said that every1 in Panjab will wear their own royal and sovereign symbol. This led to a strong Panjabi Nationalist movement that saw ALL Panjabis unite under the nishan sahib like, Nabhi Khan, Gani Khan, Masood, Bhai Kanhaiya etc. The dastar has got nothing to do with holiness of the soul rather it is a nationl symbol of Panjab. All Panjabis should be proud of it. Rab Raakha and Fateh. Bally
-- Bally , ballyonly@hotmail.com


Dear friends People all around the world are dying these days to protect their identity. We being born in the sikh religon have this wonderful ID tag called Turbans. Unfortunately,it is seen by some as a obstacle to their so called artificial enjoyment(pubbing and clubbing). Their main problem is lack of confidence and knowledge of their religon and obligations. The leaders of our religon lack morals and basic ethics which is weaning youths away as they don`t have any role models. If you don`t respect your own religon and principles DON`T expect others to give you any recognition. Changing your appearence and living with fake identity would never give anyone true satifaction.
-- Ravinderjit , cha35mak@hotmail.com


VAHEGURU JI KA KHALSA- VAHEGURU JI KI FATEH. Beside this we are sikh we had to wear turban but the main thing is that its our IDENTITY,our PRIDE.It is significant to us as it give us a different look, a different kind of plasure.Either there are thousands of peoples are standing a SIKH can be spotted from them & one sikh is equal to SAVA LAKH.we wear turban as if there are sikhs standing scattered they can join each other,they can be togeather,in a need of help one sikh can call another.So,always we try to approach one another if we see sikh and never feel shy as we all are same ,as we all are equal.We should celebrate the feeling of togeatherness.
-- rana , ranarajsingh@indiatimes.com


To Dale I think instead of cutting you hair you should have tried to acquaint your collegues as to why sikhs wera a turban. I think you chose the easy way out. The sikh who told you that you should cut your hair to fit into work is also at fault. You may have fitted in now and gained acceptence in your job but believe me you have lost something much more precious. one you will realise that. To mantosh what exactly were you doing in a strip club ?. Anyways the gurdwara president is dispicable but you should have openly challenged him there are then also told as many people as possible afterwards. Only then can we rid our gurdwaras of such thugs. If you feel sick at the sight of a Sikh doing Ardas then you have a serious psychological problem and need to see a psychologist. You say that now you are a true sikh on the INSIDE !!. If a student ( sikh ) fails to follw the teachings of his teacher ( Guru ) can he still be called a student ? To the others The Turban is the most distinguishable symbol of Sikhism. If you choose not to wear it then you are choosing not to be a Sikh simple as that. If you think that you can get rid of your kesh and yet still claim a sikh identity you are fooling yourselves. This is not to diss sikhs who due to their parents never kept their kesh. These people are actively trying to research and get attuned with their heritage. IF you have cut your kesh, you committed a sin, pure and simple. In order to defend your actions you are now committing an even greater sin by advising others that its o.k. to cut your hair. Afterwards when you are asked by non-sikhs about your religion you will invariable tell them some crap about the turban not being essential for a sikh thereby you will commit another sin. Question those that have tried to fit in have only gone 50 % of the way. Will you also jump into a bath of bleach to fit in 100 % with the goray ?. Bikramjit
-- Bikramjit , Bik10@yahoo.com


sikhism is the one force which will never be abandoned...i have many sikh mates who are clean shaven / have cut hair whatever....but when it comes down to it if anyone rattles the lionz den trouble occurs...ok here is an example outside a gurdwara in southall a load of muslims came and started sayin stuff...racism and all dat...but no one from that gurdwara came out it was my freinds who were in the pub opposite called the glassy junction...so we protect the integrity of our religion...where were the singhs with the kirpans??? i am a singh myself but beleive we must change to adapt to live in the uk...obviously in a perfect world we would all be baptised and dat but thingz happen and it aint likely so we must try keepin our integrity in these foreign places we live....sorry if i have offended anyone...peace love and respect...sukh
-- sukh , itz_murda_crazy_bastard@hotmail.com


HEY! HAVING A TURBAN IS SUCH AN HONOR IN AMERICA. I SHOW MUCH MORE RESPECT TO THOSE WHO CARE SO DEEPLY ABOUT THEIR RELIGION. I NEVER GREW UP WITH ONE , BUT I TRIED TO GROW MY HAIR LAST YEAR. IT JUST DIDN`T WORK OUT. MY FRIENDS KNEW THAT MY HAIR WAS UGLY LOOKING BECAUSE I HADN`T GOTTEN A HAIRCUT IN A LONG TIME, BUT NO ONE CARED. I WISH MY HAIR WOULD GROW REALLY QUICK. I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A TURBAN. THE GURU GRANTH SAHIB SAYS THAT WE ARE ALL EQUAL....SO IT DOESN`T MATTER WHEATER WE HAVE ONE OR NOT, BUT I THINK ITS BENEFICAL TO HAVE ONE. I CONVINCED TO GROW HIS HAIR WITH ME, BUT WE ENDED UP ANGRING ME. HE TOOK AMRIT AND EVERYTHING, BUT HE STILL CUT HIS HAIR. I THINK THAT WAS REALLY BAD AND STUPID IN HIS PART, WHY DO IT IF YOUR ONLY GOING TO DO IT TO SHOWOFF?
-- Kabir , rotieatter@aol.com


I am a singh who lives in the uk. there r quite a few sikhs i know who wear turbans and a few who dont. i myself have had my turban removed physically and i retaliate by beating up whoeva removed it. Its the only way i know. who agrees with me?????
-- Dev , chakdefateh@hotmail.com


DEAR CONFUSED PEOPLE. IN MY OPINION MANY SIKHS NEED TO SORT IT OUT! LISTEN UP PEOPLE, REHAT IS EVERYTHING. OKAY I AM NOT A PERFECT SIKHNI MYSELF BUT I HAVE MY KESH ATLEAST. IN SIKHI KESH IS REALLY IMPORTANT, IF WE GO AROUND SAYING "IT IS WHAT IS ON THE INSIDE THAT COUNTS" OR WE EVEN CLAIM THAT "WE SHOULD FIT IN" THEN WHERE WILL SIKHI BE IN YEARS TO COME? GOING ROUND WITH FAT KAREH, EARRINGS AND SAYING "WE ARE JATT AND PROUD" WILL NOT MAKE US THE SIKHS OF OUR GURU JIS. WE HAVE TO GIVE SOMETHING BACK, OUR GURUS SACRIFICED SO MUCH FOR US, CAN WE NOT GIVE ANYTHING BACK?? COME ON YOUNGSTERS WAKE UP, BE PROUD. DON`T LOSE YOUR IDENTITY. JAAN JAYEH TAH JAYEH, MERA SIKHI SADIKH NAH JAYEH BE SINGHS AND SINGHNIS NOT COOHEH-MICE. BE THE SHEPERDS NOT THE SHEEP VAHE GURU JI KA KHALSA VAHEGURU JI KI FATEH
-- jas , JASSIKAUR2000@khalsa.com


It is a part of complete manhood.
-- PrabhsharandeepSingh , Prabhsharandeep@hotmail.com


Guru Gobind Singh ji said, Rahet pyari mujhe, Sikh pyara nahi...
-- Ambarsaria , Boxter_dude@yahoo.com


I am a turbaned sikh and I still think that if you want to be a true sikh you have to wear all K`s and follow the path of true khalsa.I been in USA for 40 years now and go to gurudwara three times in a week and I have seen western sikhs who wears turban everyday and shaves and trims their beard in different styles and if you ask them why don`t they just cut their hair too,they will give you a lecture about sikhism.Maybe I`m missing some part of the our Holy Guru Granth Sahib ji. Where does it say that you have to tie turban but you can shave your beard.Thats kind of Sick to me.I have some comments for BIRBAINS sahib he says that wearing turban makes you stop doing evil things.so Mr Birbains sahib how bout if you visit few strip clubs and bars in toronto..you will find people not only wearing Turbans but also Kirpans..A little to add to this..On gurupurab jatha of 10 people came from india to perform kirtan ar! ! das in our gurudwara and guess what where all the granthi`s went in the evening..you are right..HOOTERS
-- jassi , jassikang550987@hotmail.com


Sat siri akal! Wassup to all the desis around the world! As a young adult of 18 years old, living in "the real world" as some people put it has given me quite a broad view of life and society as a sikh. However, i totally disagree with many of the views i read on display. Born and raised in canada, I saw the many hardships many of my male friends and cousins have gone through wearing a pugh or pathka. One who can endure the torment of discrimination only proves to his peers what teachings guru gobind singh ji left us all with. One who denies his true identity and follws all the others does not have any clue what he gave up. A sikh is defined by his appearance because this appearance and our beliefs are what we fought for during the times of guru gobind singh ji. All the guru`s efforts are carelessly forgotten when one is encountered by a disagreeing opinion. This is wrong! Although I may not be as educated in sikhism as many others are, I have never forgotten who i am. That is something each one of us must know- who we are. What our religion stands for- and what we stand for. Our beliefs are very true and logical. One who cannot follow the general concepts of the sikh faith must be educated otherwise in order to lead our younger generations onto the right path! I hope this opinion has brought some light into another`s error.....Manprit Kaur Virdi kamali_kaur@yahoo.com
-- Preet , kamali_kaur@yahoo.com


Greetings to all my fellow brothers/sisters, I am very impressed and happy that webmaster brought this topic. I wanted to share some of my views. I have been living in United States since 1997 and i wear turban every day. Wearing turban is very important for every Sikhs. Why? Okay You guess why people cut their hair. UMmnn..Fashion, Lack of Gurbani knowledge. Lets see the facts: About 75% of sikh male Trims their beard/cut their hair. Every 8 out of 10 Women remove hair form many parts of their body including Facicals. Sikh Children find the way to cut their hair. We need to learn Gurbani and it is the only way to become true Sikh. ESPECIALLY TO HARRY, MONICA & others who think that didn`t accepted by socialy and who also think wearing turban is not important. Let me tell you family experience, my father who wear turban since childhood, raised at Gurdaspur, Punjab. Now he is the Professional mechanical engineer. He worked his whole life about 30 yrs in many parts of world especially in Germany, Korea, South Africa, Most of all europe. HE lived in Germany 5 years by working in the 7th largest company in world(UDHE). Now look Germany is considered as the TOP Racist Country and he faces very little problems(turban) but his faith is very strong. He worked in S.Africa during the Bad time of Africa. He went to S.Africa and Started to expand sikhism where you can never find any Sikh at that time. Maybe i gone too far, but take my example, I graduate at CHS, La Grange, Georgia, Usa. Georgia is the state where about 20/30 yrs ago KKK lives in Georgia(hate group of minority people), and There are still KKK living in the south states of georgia. Guess what Monica, i was the first turbaned person graduate with honor @ CHS(Callaway High School)Georgia. I didn`t feel socially disturbed by my White friends. I was the famous student of that school, live like a regular student, play soccer everything. First time it takes everybody to adjust in society, than the things go smothly. Take an example of Saint Teja singh, When he was visiting Germany during Hitler rule, he addresess his speach in front of many thousands of German including all german Officals. He addressed the topic WHy turban is important for sikh person. When Teja Singh finished his speach one Naval german officer stood up and shout " That`s what we (human) want in our religion" He means SIKHISM is the way to live good life. My post is too long, so ALASLA( Goodbye ) Gurfateh, Vicky singh Send me an email for any further information.
-- Vicky , vicky@sikhpride.com


WAHEGURU JI KA KHALSA`WAHEGURU JI KI FATEH The significance of the turban is not limited for only identification of the sikhs but more important is the role it plays to stop the sikhs from doing evil things such as drugs,drinking and clubs.A sikh who cut his hair cannot be loved by GURU GOBIND SINGH JI.Most people become clean shaven by seeing others.Shouldn`t we call it a BHEDCHAL(a blind following).The tenth Master gave the name Singh(Lion)to us,then why should we choose to become sheeps simply to mix with other sheeps.There are good and bad people in every community.If there are some who make fun of our turban there are others who give us high regards for wearing it.I advise all sikhs not to forget the un-paralleled sacrifices made by our great Gurus and Martyres to protect our religion.BOLE SO NIHAL SAT SREE AKAL. -Beer Beant Singh Bains Birbains@yahoo.com
-- Beer Beant Singh , Birbains@yahoo.com


Sat Sri Akal to all..The matter being discussed is a hard one..but..do you all think if Guru Gobind Singh Ji did not instruct Sikhs to wear the 5 K`s the religion would have survived...? I think not...Kesh is THE REASON why Sikhism hasn`t been swallowed up by Hinduism...it gives us an identity and seperates us from everybody else...Mad luv to all the sida sikhs up in here..Raj Keraga Khalsa!!
-- Bob , Pnjbiwugu@aol.com


I thing it is Imporatant for those people who really do or obey all the five things that guru Gobind singh had said. Its not imporatant for those who have kesh but wearing a cap eating @ mc donalds ban(one) CHIKEN BURGER pleez. THOSE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE FUN OUT OF THEMSELFS WHO EVER SEES THEM SAYS HEY LOOK AT THAT CONE HEAD AT MC DONALDS. If you follow the religon truely no one will make fun of you.
-- Birjoginder , Degre8pujab@aol.com


Harry & Monica, you argue that the next generation Sikhs won`t wear the turban, so we should not either, since there is no point. First of all, you both are wrong. Sikhs, who understand Sikhism, and are passionate about their religion, the ones that love their religion, will wear the turban, for many generations. And this has already been the case. For instance, many Sikhs in Yuba City have been there for over 3 generations, and many of them still wear the turban. Also there exists half Mexican/half Punjabi people there, many of these males also wear the turban. My brother is married to a white girl, he wears the turban, his children have not cut their hair, and his wife is Christian. Point being, anyone can bring up examples, for either sides of not wearing or wearing the turban, but the Sikh that loves Sikhism will wear the turban. There is lots of discrimination out there, and I know, because I faced it myself, but the parents and the Sikh community must inform people why we wear the turban and why we should keep it. If we don`t do this, the Western community will never respect our religion. There are many young males out there that don`t wear the turban because their hair was cut early, but they want to wear the turban, I encourage you all to wear the turban. The Sikh community will support you. Wah Guru Ji Ka Khalsa Wah Guru Ji Ki Fateh
-- Rajdeep , siebeljst@hotmail.com


TO ALL THE PEOPLE LIVING ABROAD AND STILL IN THEIR DENYING PHASE....THE NEXT GENERATION OF SIKHS WON`T BE WEARING TURBANS....THIS IS THE FACT AND ACCEPT IT....I DON`T THINK THERE IS ANY THING WRONG WITH IT....WHEN YOU ARE WALKING DOWN THE STREET WHY DO YOU WANT OTHERS PEOPLE TO KNOW THAT HEY !!! LOOK I`M WEARING A TURBAN I`M A SIKH....WHY CAN`T WE BE LIKE OTHERS ???....DOES APPEARENCE THAT IMPORTANT FOR THE SURVIVAL OF SIKHS ??? I DON`T THINK SO.....SORRY I MUST HAVE OFFENDED SOME PEOPLE BUT TRUTH ALWAYS HURTS.
-- HARRY , harry67854@hotmail.com


ITS EASY TO TALK ABOUT WEARING TURBAN AND HOW IMPORTANT IT IS FOR THE IDENTITY OF THE SIKHS BUT WHEN YOU ARE OUT THERE IN THE REAL WORLD THINGS ARE LOT DIFFERENT ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE ABROAD.MY YOUNG BROTHER USED TO WEAR ONE WHEN HE STARTED SCHOOL AND WAS CONSTANTLY HARASSED BY GROUP OF PEOPLE IN HIS SCHOOL.WE CONPLAINED ABOUT IT SEVERAL TIMES.SOME STUDENTS WERE EVEN SUSPENDED BUT IT DIDN`T STOP OTHERS TO DO SO.IT WENT ON FOR ONE YEAR.FINALLY I WENT ON AND GOT HIS HAIR CUT EVEN THOUGH MY PARENTS WERE AGAINST IT AND NOW HE GOES TO SCHOOL LIKE ANY OTHER KID.NOBODY BOTHERS HIM ANY MORE AND HE LOVES IT.THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MOULDING YOURSELF WITH OTHER PEOPLE IF THEY HAVE PROBLEMS WITH YOUR APPEARENCE.I AGREE WITH DALE AS HE MENTIONED THAT PEOPLE DIDN`T LIKE HIS WEARING HIS TURBAN AT HIS WORKPLACE.TURBAN IS NOT IMPORTANT FOR THE SURVIVAL OF SIKH RELIGION AND OUR CULTURE AND WE SHOULD ACCEPT IT AND NOT DENY ! ! THE FACT THAT NEXT GENERATION OF SIKHS WON`T BE WEARING TURBANS AND AS LONG AS THEY KNOW ABOUT THEIR CULTURE AND RELIGION THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT.
-- monica , monica_gill1@hotmail.com


Dale and Herman. There exists bad examples of Sikhs that wear the turban but are not very good people. You should not use these people as an excuse to not wear one yourselves. That is what I see here...Your excuse is that because you saw a turbaned person doing a bad thing you should not, or do not need to wear a turban. Those people are obviously not good, but that doesn`t mean that wearing a turban and being a Sikh is not good! Dale, if you lost your job because of your turban, than that is complete discrimination and you should be strong and fight for all Sikhs and obtain your right to wear the turban at that company. Why did you succumb and become like the white men around you??? Be strong and fight for our religion. So many other Sikhs have done so. Our turban is a crucial aspect of the survival of our religion. We must respect it.
-- Sukhbir , punjabonline@yahoo.com


I believe that sikhism is truely a great religion and anyone who researches into sikhism properly will agree. I live in the uk and tie a turban. Whilst I have faced discrimination I have also found that alot of WHITE & BLACK people do respect the turban and admire our religion and beliefs. I also was bullied at school by found out what sacrafices our gurus and other guru day sikhs had made I decided that I no longer wanted to cut my hair-I was and still am proud to be a SARDAR. I am glad that my parents did not let me cut my hair since the bulling made me is not just a piece of cloth it is our crown-(!! the word SARDAR means Chief) so I ask the sikh youth out there not to throw this crown away. Also using the fact that some amratari sikhs and sardars do immoral things is not a valid excuse not to tie a turban. Yes sikhism is not just about tying a turban or wearing a kara, but the turban is our identity-its what makes us easily distiguiable-as a english poet said `...REMOVE THE TURBAN AND WATCH THE KHALSA CRUMBLE...` This is indeed what is happening today. I request all the young sikhs out their to spend one hour finding out about sikhism-if after this you are not impressed then walk away but don`t just write off this wonderful religion which you have been fountunate enough to be born into.
-- jagdeep , jaggisingh99@yahoo.com


Wahaguru Jee Ka Kalsa, Wahaguru Jee Ke Fateh
Well, I am absolutely appalled at the number of people who have opted for the easy solution of removing their turbans. People have cut their hair, or now the fashion seems to be to be forget the turban its more trendy to wear a baseball cap - are these people crazy. Our Gurus and a lot of other myaters have made so many sacrifices for us, and we just ignore all that they have done for us.
I met someone on the weekend who had just had a tattoo put on his arm of a Kanda, a very nice big Kanda - must say it looked good. He was trying to show his identity that he is a Singh - but he was not carrying the main identity, the turban.
Wearing a turban makes me feel important, I have that sense of belonging that I belong to such a great religion. Being a Sikh makes me proud, it is the best thing that has happened to me.
Please forgive me if I have offended anyone..........
-- Raj , rdhanjal@rm.com


I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A COMMENT ON WEARING TURBAN.I CAME TO USA ABOUT FIVE YEARS BACK.I USED TO WEAR TURBAN AT THAT TIME.I LOST MY JOB AS A SENIOR NETWORK ADMINSITRATOR BECAUSE I WAS WEARING TURBAN IN A PLACE WHERE VERY HIGH PROFILE PEOPLE USED TO WORK.I CAN`T NAME THE COMPANY AS AFTER THREE YEARS OF WORKING IN COUPLE OF DIFFERNT PLACES I AM BACK HERE AGAIN.I WAS TOLD BY ONE OF MY COLLEGUES WHO HAPPENED TO BE A SIKH TO GET MY HAIR CUT AS THE PEOPLE DOESN`T LIKE TO SEE DIFFERENT LOOKING PEOPLE.I GOT MY HAIR CUT AND NOW I HAVE BEEN WORKING THERE FOR TWO YEARS NOW.I DON`T THINK IT IS A SIN TO GET A HAIR CUT IF YOU ARE COMFORTABLE WITH IT.
-- dale , dale_rdhwa@hotmail.com


I totally agree with Montosh.I don`t think turban is important for the the identity of Sikhs.Like montosh has mentioned earlier there are lots of sikhs who wear turban and indulge in inappropriate activities.One of the general secretery of our Gurudwara wears kirpan and he is the worst person on this earth.He`s been with every hooker in the town and he still teaches about sikh religion.such people who does all this and still be a part of all the religious activities that goes on in the Gurudwara should be hanged.
-- herman , gill_herman@hotmail.com


I have a question with you all who disagree with me....is the sikh religion just about wearing turban or kirpan....what bout the person who wears all five K`s and still indulge in Evil things. I`ll give you real life example...I am a clean shaven jatt sikh settled abroad...my parents still are amritdhari sikhs...I do get into arguments about the whole thing several times...but what happened with me made me a real strong person for what my thoughts are...I go to gurudwara once or twice a month and I was in gurudwara one day and i met the president of gurudwara one day he atarted talking to me about religion...and told me how I`m a disgrace to the religion as I have cut hair and clean shaven....in fact he called me a LANDA SIKH....the same person who was giving me all the preaching and teachings.....Guess what where I saw him next....IN A STRIP CLUB with a hat on ....I never said i was a perfect person but this! ! person who is the president of the gurudwara who acts like he is the ONE should look at his own self before telling others...the day i saw him there was the last day i went to gurudwara...I can`t see a person doing Ardas in front of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and hundreds of people....it makes me sick to my stomuch....since then i decided to be a true sikh on my own inside....GOD give some piece of brains to all these people
-- Aman , montosh_6@hotmail.com


When you`re dealing with truth, it can offend alot of people....but you can`t ignore the truth which is that the turban by itself doesn`t define anything....i think culture has more influence on a person the anything else even more than religion....that is why young people are more into punjabi music rather than religion...and more and more people now days are fed up with everything that goes on in gurudwara`s these days....it seems to me that everywhere you look....all you see is dirty politics...election is more important to these people than setting up good examples for young people....no wonder more and more young people now days would rather adapt "black-culture" or their music than their own....i think most young people are ashamed of people who don`t give a crap about anything...and besides..as i said culture and environment really have the greatest influence on people....i mean its really unpractical to follow the same culture and religion of Punjab...it is impossible...most of the old people that are really into religion and culture is because they grew up in that culture and environment....it is really important to remember that younger generation is not Indian...they`er americans...i mean naturally the importance of the Punjabi culture and religion is going to decrease in this country in the future years...its totally unrealistic to follow certain (punjabi) values and live in different country....and i`m so sick and tired of most indian parents who are responsible parents. all they care about is money..no wonder young people are smarter than their parents..most parents are living in denial...sad but true...they don`t know what their kids are doing outside the house....obviously they don`t care either as long as their kids act nice and normal in house...you can`t expect your kids to do the same things that you did 20 yrs ago when you were growing up....its a different world and different country....things have changed and they need to take sorta modren or western approach when you`re dealing with you kids...otherwise they`re gonna act all nice and normal in the house and do drugs and clubs outside....like it is right now...most parents do not know how many different boyfriends their daughters have...i`m not saying that its a bad thing but thats how things really are..you can deny it or face it...real responsibility starts from home by the parents....wearing a turban is not going to solve anything... some of you may find this letter rather irrational but like i said...when you`re dealing with the truth and it offends alot of people....but hey it is just the truth...you can deny it or face it and solve the problem...Daljeet Daljeet2000@aol.com
-- Ricky , Daljeet2000@aol.com


WaheGuru Ji Ka Kalsa Waheguru Ji Ke Fathe... Gentlemen..It seems like most of you guys look at the Dastar as an identification item, as much as it does identify a gursikh from someone who wears a Kara, hair cut, and considers himself a singh without wanting live on the teachings of our guru`s and the Gurbani, it is a sign of respect. One will not walk into the Gurdwara with nothing covering your head, will not carry Mahraj on your bare head when doing Sukasan or Prakash.
-- Narinder , ndhanjal@tor.microage.ca


Significance of turban:- Identity is a VERY VERY important part of Sikhism. Why do you think Guru Gobind Singh Jee asked his Sikhs to keep uncut hairs and take good care of them? I DON`T know everything about it but I would like to share with all my brothers whatever I have read/heard and is SIGNIFICANT to the discussion. He wanted to create a very special community of people who were not afraid of other people. {There is NO need to mention that he wanted this community to have good moral ethics etc. We all know that. However we are confused about the identity, the TURBAN} He wanted his Sikhs to be afraid only of WaheGuru Jee. He wanted his Singhs to do things openly. Nobody is perfect, but people try to mix up in society to avoid being accused of doing wrong things by other people. If you know that you are being "watched" when you are doing bad things (drinking etc.) you will eventually stop doing those bad things. However if you know that nobody is watching you then you might never stop doing those ! ! bad things. Today we are more afraid of ??what other people will say?? then we are from the God! Guru Gobind Singh Jee wanted his Singhs to be self-disciplined. And the turban was a sacred tool that he used to explain this to us fools. I have stopped doing SOME bad things because I know when I do them I am easily identified. My Turban has helped me to stop doing those bad things and has imposed the self-discipline. I am sure if I were a follower of some other religion I would have taken much more time to stop doing those things. People say what is the point of keeping turban when you are going to drink and get involved in other bad stuff. Does keeping turban mean that we are the perfect? It just means that we SINNERS have different ways to get on to the right track then our other friends. I am not encouraging drinking etc but I would love people to stop saying such things -->WHAT IS THE POINT OF KEEPING TURBAN WHEN U R GOING TO ..<--
-- Deepinder , deepinder@khalsa.com


TO MANTOSH, IF YOU FOLLOW THE TEACHINGS OF THE GURU YOU WOULD WEAR A TURBAN AND WOULD NOT AT ANY COSTS REMOVE IT. GURU GOBIND SINGH SAID THAT IF THERE ARE ONE MILLION PEOPLE MY ONE SIKH WILL BE EASILY RECOGNISABLE-BY REMOVING THE TURBAN YOU WON`T BE RECOGNISABLE EVEN WHEN YOU ARE CLOSE LET ALONE IN A CROWD!! AND DON`T SAY THAT YOU CAN WEAR A KARA BECAUSE I KNOW HINDUS AND MUSLIMS WHO WEAR KARAS. SIKHISM IS A REVOLUTIONARY RELIGION AND WE ARE MEANT TO BE LIONS NOT MOUSES!!! SO NO SIKH SHOULD CHANGE HIMSELF JUST TO `FIT IN`. YOU SHOULD READ THE BOOK `NON SIKH`S VIEW ON THE EXCELLENCE OF SIKHISM` BY SARUP SINGH ALAG IF YOU READ THE THINGS THAT PEOPLE HAVE SAID ABOUT SIKHS YOU WILL FEEL REALLY PROUD TO BE ONE. I THINK THAT THIS IS THE MAIN PROBLEM YOU ARE NOT PROUD TO BE SIKH-AFTER READING THIS BOOK YOU WILL BE. IN ONE PART OF THIS BOOK SINGH TELLS HOW IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR THE BRITISH ASKED THE SIKHS SOLDIERS TO WEAR STEEL HELMETS INSTEAD OF TURBANS BECAUSE MANY WERE DYING FROM ! ! HEAD INJURIES AND THE BRITISH COULD NOT AFFORD TO PAY PENTIONS TO THEIR FAMILIES. INSTEAD OF `MOULDING THEMSELVES ACCORDINGLY` THE SIKHS ALL SIGNED A CONTRACT SAYING THAT IF ANY OF THEM SHOULD DIE AS A RESULT OF A HEAD INJURY THEN THE BRITISH DID NOT HAVE TO PAY THEIR FAMILIES ANY PENSION. SO YOU SEE MANTOSH THEY DID NOT MOULD THEMSELVES-THEY WERE GURU DAY SIKH AND WE SHOULD FOLLOW THEIR EXAMPLE. BE PROUD TO BE A SIKH. OUR RELIGION IS THE YOUNGEST IN THE WORLD BUT WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED IN THE LAST 500-600 YEARS MANY OTHER RELIGIONS HAVE NOT ACHIEVED THAT IN THOUSANDS OF YEARS OF EXISTANCE. jaggisingh99@yahoo.com
-- JASPREET , KHALSARAJ@KHALSA.COM


Wearing turban is essential for the Sikh identity. Harmohn, I understand what you say. But I can`t agree with you completely. Having the turban defines the Sikh. A Sikh with his turban is still a normal person, he may not be religious, but he is a Sikh. Too much emphasis is put on proud Sikhs with turbans not acting like a Sikh. This is wrong. Religion and Social life is different. Are you saying a Muslim is not a Muslim anymore because he drinks??? The turban to a Sikh defines his identity. Eventually, when the individual is ready, he or she should be babtised into the Khalsa. But a turban should be worn by all males who identify themselves as a Sikh.
-- Sukhbir , punjabonline@yahoo.com


The question in my opinion has two answers. It may not be as important for a non-khalsa baptised Sikh to wear a turban as it IS for someone that has been baptised into the Khalsa. The Khalsa is the visible identity of the Sikhs and its pure form. As such anyone baptised into it MUST be true to it. I don`t as yet wear a turban not due to culture differences, but because being baptised into the Khalsa would require discipline that I just don`t have at present. It??s not right to do it half-hearted, as some Sikhs do in Britain wearing turbans yet drink, shave and smoke. They still perceive themselves as `better` Sikhs? I will however wear a turban when I have the confidence and discipline to be baptised into the Khalsa.
-- Harmohn , hlaehri@yahoo.com


Response for {Aman, montosh_6@hotmail.com } FYI:- "Doi vele utth bandhyo dastare, pahar aatth rakhyo shastar sambhare . . . Kesan ki kijo pritpal, nah(i)ustran se katyo vaal", Guru Gobind Singh Jee "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.", Guru Gobind Singh Jee
-- Deepinder , deepinder@khalsa.com


I don`t think turban is important for the survival of the sikh religion.I have been with so many Anritdhari sikhs who do all kinds of bad things you can`t imagine and then talk about religion like they are saints.I think it is all in the head if you wanna be an ideal sikh you can just follow the preaching our gurus taught and if you wear turban that doesn`t make you a better sikh than the one who doesn`t wear turban. Moreover if you are living abroad it is not a bad thing to mould yourself accordingly.
-- Aman , montosh_6@hotmail.com


The turban is vital for the survival of the Sikh religion. It gives us our identity and one in which we must maintain and have respect for.
-- Jaspal , jaspal_m@hotmail.com


yes i totally agree that a pugh is really vital for a sikh. i feel proud when i walk down the street with my brother or dad. it shows the world that we are the disciples of the guru ji. i thing that youngsters of today should respect the pugh and should not take it off and on and replace it with a cap. a sikh`s crown is his pugh. on vaisakhi we were given this unique identity, we should be proud. jaan jayeh tah jayeh, merasikhi sadikh nah jayeh guru fateh jaspreet kaur KHALSARAJ@khalsa.com
-- jas , JASSIKAUR2000@khalsa.com


I believe that wearing the turban is essential for being a Sikh. The turban represents our religion. It is a gift given to us from the Guru. It represents our people, our life, our history, our culture, and our religion. Wearing the turban is crucial for the Sikh.
-- Rajdeep , siebeljst@hotmail.com