Wednesday, 23 January 2013

The Blue Turban From Warrior Clad To Fashion Accessory

By Sue Carpenter


Turbans have been part of the world for several centuries. They were used to distinguish various cultures and religions in the past and are frequently used now as a trendy item for women of all walks of life. Nowadays, even army forces need to resort to the use of turbans if they are sent to desert-like areas. There have been different colors of turban in the history of the world and the blue turban is one of those that has a rich background.

Not long ago, an Indian male appeared on a photo in the local newspaper. This happened because he had tied one of the longest ones around his head. This unusual event took place at the Maghi Mela festival where Nihang gather together to celebrate their culture. When the Nihang first appeared, people used that word to describe them as fierce crocodiles that wanted to be distinguished by their headgears.

Their outfits include not only these ones but also daggers, a chain and knives. Along the years, the custom of wearing a turban, also known as Dumaala, has become a contest where Nihang attempt to tie the longest possible turban. There are men who have been able to wrap a 35-kilos turban around their heads.

One of the reasons why they strongly embrace their believes is that throughout history the warriors died in the fights that, even when they faced lots of difficulties, they could win. Even when these warriors don't have the need to fight any longer, they still have this custom. They still have that custom because during the Battle of Khidrana the Nihang had to fight against the Mughal forces and even when lots of men died, they could win again.

The fighting method connected to the Nihang is also called Gatka. Warriors wear these headgears and some swords they use during the fights are kept hidden in the turban. These Gatka warriors need a lot of skills. Enthusiastic supporters are the ones who know about the martial arts because their ancestors passed them down.

There are countless cultures that consider the turban as a trendy accessory for women, which are the ones who wear it most of the times. There are several theories that connect these headgears to a Nostradamus prophecy regarding the arrival of the anti-Christ. Even when this might be true up to a point, people have created amazing stories about the turbans and some are unbelievable.

Several cultures in Africa don't find the turban color important. The majority of women wear turbans in that area so it's natural to see various designs of the way of tying it and also colorful patterns that help them show their culture. In the particular case of the Punjab area where the Nihang is still worn, it's important to use that the use of turbans is very common but not the fighting purpose it once had.

The blue turban is an item that has been and will be around for centuries and the reasons for this are many. However, it's important why you decide to wear it because you need to make sure that you are aware of its origin as well as the importance for your culture. These headgears will be around for years to come.




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