The turban is their pride. They are known for their long uncut hair. The Sikhs have a distinct personality that distinguishes them from others. It is their ‘uncut hair.’ But, recent times have seen a distinct trend- the younger Sikh generations with stylish hair cuts.

In 1699, when on on the day of the Vaisakhi, the tenth guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh gave a call for those who would protect the truth and live the faith at the cost of their lives. It was decided that those with uncut hair and turbans will be distinguished as pure Sikhs. The trend continued for a long time, but now the turban is in danger of falling out of favor. The younger Sikh generations are feeling the turban as a burden. Tying the turban costs them their time. Keeping and maintaining long hair and knotting it under six yards of starched cotton proves a tardy business. For Sikhs, turban tying ceremony is equivalent to marriage, but in today’s incessant life, the ceremony is quickly going under the bin. Today, neither the parents nor the child is interested in losing time in such grim affairs. Rather, they feel interested in sparing their time in parties, and going to movies. This is proving to be a blessing in disguise for the barbers of Punjab who earlier had to face a tardy business due to a lack of customers - are now doing brisk business.

To curtail this trend that is spreading fast among the Sikhs and turning them apostate, the highest body of Sikhs- the SGPC has declared April 13, harvest festival of Baisakhi, as International Sikh Turban Day. They hope it will arouse a sense of pride among the Sikhs for their religion and culture. In addition, two turban-tying schools have been founded in Amritsar, the holiest place of sikhs, and a competition to select “Mr Singh International“, is expected to attract widespread participation. Sikh youths from all over the country will be required to participate. All the four regions of Punjab have a distinct way of tying turban, so, Mr Singh contestants will be judged on how stylishly their headgear is tied. Recent times have also highlighted on concern over acts of violence in the West against Sikhs, mistaken for members of the Taliban, who also sport turbans, has also prompted overseas campaigns to “dignify” the headgear.
Everyone has a right to live life as they feel like, so have the Sikhs. It is their wish to keep or cut hair, yet, turban is their identity, it is the link that binds them to their religion. It is their most distinguishing symbols. Hence, the Sikhs must protect their pride.

Via: Telegraph