What Happens If a Sikh Removes Their Turban?

In Punjabi, the turban is referred to as the "dastar," and in Sikhism, it symbolizes faith, identity, and spirituality. The turban is an integral part of Sikh history and tradition, symbolizing equality, honor and self-respect.



Turbans existed long before Sikhism, and have historically been worn by the nobility and royalty of many cultures in the Middle East and South Asia. Here, mistrust prevailed, and the turban signified astuteness. In Sikhi, the Gurus adopted the turban as a means of dismantling and subverting social hierarchies, and to stress the fundamental equality of all human beings. The Sikh Gurus wore turbans, and they encouraged their followers to wear one as well, and this was their way of saying a turban is not just for the kings and emperors of the world, but is for every Sikh, no matter what status he or she has in the eyes of society.



The turban is not just an article of clothing in Sikhism — it is a spiritual crown that represents a Sikh's commitment to their faith and their relationship with Waheguru, or the Divine. The turban is an everyday indication to the sikhs to embrace principles of truthfulness, kindness and humility. It signifies a Sikh's practice of upholding the five articles of faith known collectively as the Five Ks, one of which is Kesh (uncut hair). A turban protects and gathers the uncut hair, which is a sign of honoring the belief that hair is God's gift and it's meant to stay intact.


The turban is a sign of the Sikh belief in equality. The turban also signifies that Sikhs in the eyes of the Divine are equal and are not to be discriminated on the basis of caste, creed, or gender. In the broader historical lens, this egalitarian ethos was radical amidst a social hierarchy-ridden society. In addition, the turban also represents sovereignty and self-respect. As such, it is a statement of moral and spiritual free agency, inviting Sikhs to walk the earth as equals.



The turban is what makes Sikhs easily identifiable and creates a sense of responsibility to behave according to the high moral standards set out by their religion. The visibility of Sikhs in the workplace or the public sphere encourages Sikhs to serve as ambassadors of their faith advocate values like honesty, charity and social justice. This unique look also binds Sikhs from around the world together — a global family of sorts.


While the turban has spiritual and symbolic significance, it also serves useful purposes. A great way to keep the head clean and protected from environmental factors such as sun, dust, etc. It is an act of discipline and order, of routine, of mindfulness in daily life.


Although more widely practiced by Sikh men, Sikh women (particularly baptized or Amritdhari women) also wear turbans. For women, the turban serves a similar purpose, as a manifestation of their faith in God and a show of their equality within the community. But cultural practices differ, and some Sikh women may opt for different styles of head covering, including scarves.

However, Sikhs have faced difficulties due being easily identifiable by their appearance in modern history, which have included discrimination and a lack of knowledge. In the face of these challenges, the Sikh community remains steadfast in maintaining the practice of wearing the turban as a symbol of pride and resilience. The turban is still a strong symbol of their commitment to their beliefs and values.



The Sikh turban is a multi-dimensional symbol of spirituality, identity, equality and resistance. Far more than a mere tradition, it embodies some of the basic fundamentals of Sikhism and testifies to the abiding spirit of the Sikh people. (Sikhs in focus) 982086 Strength and honor are symbolized through the turban and are how the Sikh community showcases their commitment to their spiritual beliefs.