Khalsa mero roop hai khaas. Khalse me hau karo niwas.
(Khalsa is a true picture of mine. I live in Khalsa)
Guru Gobind Singh
Wearing a Turban is not just a fashion statement but a symbol of one's pride and religion as the students of Agricultural University (PAU) tell us. It is an article of faith that represents honour, self-respect, courage, spirituality, and piety.
On a recent visit to the campus of PAU, HT City team interacted with some of the proud turbaned students who rolled out their opinions and the latest fashion statements that go with their turbans.
Rana Gurloveleen Singh Sidhu broke the ice with us and gave us the overview of the latest trend on turbans in the campus. "From the last few years, every student prefers to tie turban in a 'Patiala Shahi' style since it holds royalty and tradition. The inspiration comes from the time of Maharajas and a student may be from any pocket of Punjab, this style tops the priority list", maintains Sidhu while his friends Jaspinder Singh Jawandha and Ravinder Singh Panag add ,
"Bright colours are mostly picked accompanied with contrast T-Shirts and Shirts and trousers again with loud colours that simply wraps one into a traditional yet contemporary look but at times on the weekends, some also wear Muktsari Kurta Pajama".
It doesn't just stop at the symbol of royalty and religion adorning their proud heads for when it comes to accessories, students say that 'Kara' is a must, followed by luxury watches and smart shoes. "Along with turban, a 'Kara' has to go. It is another symbol of respect and faith like the turban. This goes followed by any other accessory but what is ignored is ornaments especially heavy gold chains that can look every eccentric", smiles Dharambir Singh Gill who further underlines that it is also ensured that accessories during formal or informal wear must match with the turban; be it a tie, pocket square, watch strap and even socks.
Himmat Singh Sidhu, an NRI student who came all the way to study agriculture from Vancouver, Canada spoke about the turban's global appeal and respect, "Be it Vancouver or Ludhiana; turban is given respect across the globe, it is not an ordinary piece of cloth. Even the gora's have started learning to tie it and Sikhs with hair cut are also getting encouraged to tie turban".
It doesn't just stop at the symbol of royalty and religion adorning their proud heads for when it comes to accessories, students say that 'Kara' is a must, followed by luxury watches and smart shoes. "Along with turban, a 'Kara' has to go. It is another symbol of respect and faith like the turban. This goes followed by any other accessory but what is ignored is ornaments especially heavy gold chains that can look every eccentric", smiles Dharambir Singh Gill who further underlines that it is also ensured that accessories during formal or informal wear must match with the turban; be it a tie, pocket square, watch strap and even socks.
Himmat Singh Sidhu, an NRI student who came all the way to study agriculture from Vancouver, Canada spoke about the turban's global appeal and respect, "Be it Vancouver or Ludhiana; turban is given respect across the globe, it is not an ordinary piece of cloth. Even the gora's have started learning to tie it and Sikhs with hair cut are also getting encouraged to tie turban".
And while it is the norm to follow a celebrity specially with Punjabi celebs endorsing the colorful headgear these proud students instead are the exception and prefer to follow their heart and tradition, "We do not follow any celebrities especially when it comes to turban, Bollywood tried to follow in our footsteps but not very authentically" laughs Tarunvir Singh Sandhu and his friends.
WHAT'S COOL
Most followed Turban style: 'Patiala Shahi' which has been associated with Royalty
Popular Turban Colours: Bright colours such as Royal Blue, Mustard, Yellow, Magenta, Pink, Red and Green.
Accessories: Kara, the holy symbol of Sikhs and luxury watches
T-Shirts: Contrast T-Shirts and checked ones with trousers in loud colours
WHAT'S NOT COOL
Non –Preferred Turban styles: Readymade Turban (Turban styled caps)
Unpopular Turban Colours: White, Black and Brown and above them multi colored (chirra) and those printed with heavy designs are not preferred at all.
Accessories to Avoid: Heavy jewelry especially gold chains.
Round neck T-Shirt is strictly avoided. Matching T-Shirt and Shirt colors with dull trouser colors not preferred.
(I think this acronym could go in a box, will look for a picture that is suitable while designing the story)
T: Tough
U: United
R: Resilient
B: Brave
A: Amicable
N: Noble