April 13 is Turban Day

published by Asianpost on Thu, 04/10/2008 - 15:24

“Comb your hair nearly twice a day and tie your turban carefully, turn by turn,” Guru Gobind Singh proclaimed before thousands at the 1699 Vaisakhi gathering where he made the turban an official part of Sikh identity.

Over 300 years later, Lower Mainland Sikhs will have the opportunity to learn more about the turban and compete in the Sixth Annual Turban Competition on International Turban Day, April 13.

Hosted by Radio Shere Punjab, the competition is an educational and fun way to connect Sikh youth to their culture and to create awareness about the turban and its significance to the Sikh religion, said event coordinator Gurwinder Singh Dhaliwal.

Although it is considered disrespectful to take a turban off in public, Dhaliwal said that since the competition is a “special case for educational purposes, it will not be considered immoral.”

Whether from ancient forms of bigotry or modern-day legal discrimination, Sikhs who wear turbans often find their religion is misunderstood. International Turban Day was created in response to this challenge and it is hoped that by educating the public and the youth, Sikhs will be able to break down the skepticism and negative associations within the larger community.

“During the past few years the Turban has been criticized, questioned and has been attacked from various parts of the world,” said Dhaliwal. “This has happened from within the Sikh community and also from other communities, governments, and religious groups.”

Dhaliwal believes the turban competition is an appropriate way to remind the public of the turban’s importance to the Sikh faith.

The turban raveling competition, which will be monitored by five judges, will include several categories based on age, gender, time, neatness and appearance. There is no age limit for contestants. Signing up in advance is not required but it is recommended. The completion begins at 3 p.m. in the Bombay Banquet Hall at 7475 135th St.