At first glance, the turban appears like ordinary headgear. However, the manner in which it is worn conveys a message. In general, it is native to India, the Middle East, parts of the Swahili Coast, parts of Africa, and parts of South Asia. However, in contemporary times, its charm has spread across the globe, making an entry into the world of fashion as well. Furthermore, even women have been pairing it with all kinds of attire, in order to create a fashion statement. 

Defining the Turban

This headgear comprises of soft fabric, which may vary in length and width, in accordance with cultural beliefs. This lengthy fabric is skillfully wrapped around the head, utilizing all kinds of twists and turns. The idea is to ensure that it remains in place, as well as appears aesthetic in appearance. When you look at it, you gain the impression that it is a pre-stitched or engineered in advance, head covering. This is because the ‘fitted effect’ is so perfect! Although the kind of cloth used, its dimensions, style of wrapping, and colors may differ from one geographical region to another, the essential construction and the concept behind it, remain the same. Additionally, wearers prefer unstitched headgear, as opposed to a stitched or readymade one.

Colourful in Appearance

Different cultures desire to convey different messages. These messages may relate to emotions or moods, religious values, ceremonial traditions, or cultural customs. This is why turbans appear in diverse colours across the globe. In India, ochre is a favourite colour. This is because it refers to saintliness. Similarly, saffron is a symbol of prosperity and chivalry. However, the Sikh community, which resides in northern India, prefers to don cotton turbans displaying a combination of blue and white, since they indicate religious fervour. Furthermore, the turban or the dastar is an integral part of their attire especially worn with kurta, sherwani. Sometimes, even women of this community don the headgear if the occasion demands it. 

Muslims prefer white, as it is supposed to be the holiest of all colours. However, the older ones go for this color, rather than the younger generation. In case, one has to pay a condolence visit, dark-blue is the preferred colour. In the Middle-East, all those, who consider themselves to be the descendants of Prophet Muhammad, take recourse to green-coloured turbans. Green is supposed to be the colour of paradise. Shia Muslims consider wearing a turban as part of their tradition too. In modern times, people with long hair often wrap it in a turban, to keep it safe from environmental pollutants. Women, suffering from cancer, use it as a head-wrap after undergoing severe treatments.