AI Generated Summary
- As devotees paid their respects at the Golden Temple nearby, the Turban Museum stood as a testament to Sikh legacy — a vibrant tribute echoing the unyielding pride and spirituality of the turban since the days of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
- At the heart of the museum’s appeal is its comprehensive portrayal of the Sikh turban, an enduring emblem of faith that has evolved over centuries while retaining its profound spiritual and cultural relevance.
- The serene city of Amritsar, renowned for its rich Sikh heritage, witnessed an influx of tourists on the auspicious occasion of Gurpurb, commemorating the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
The serene city of Amritsar, renowned for its rich Sikh heritage, witnessed an influx of tourists on the auspicious occasion of Gurpurb, commemorating the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. A prominent highlight for many was the Turban Museum, a distinctive institution housed within the historic Qila Gobindgarh, which drew curious visitors from all corners of India.
At the heart of the museum’s appeal is its comprehensive portrayal of the Sikh turban, an enduring emblem of faith that has evolved over centuries while retaining its profound spiritual and cultural relevance. The museum showcases an array of meticulously crafted turbans, each narrating a chapter of Sikh history.
“This is the first time I’ve seen a museum dedicated to turbans,” said Dharampal Rathour, a tourist visiting from Karnataka. “It beautifully captures a tradition that has been followed since the era of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.” His sentiment was echoed by Amsfred from Tamil Nadu, who expressed amazement at the diversity on display: “The museum has such a vast collection under one roof. It explains the different styles and their meanings so well. Now I understand why Sikhs wear distinct turbans.”
The visual impact of the exhibition owes much to Manjit Singh Ferozepuria, a turban artist credited with designing over 30 mannequins, each adorned with a unique style. “When I was approached by the Gobindgarh Fort team years ago, I accepted without hesitation,” he recalled. “For the past 20 years, I’ve promoted the art of turban tying and even worked with Punjabi film stars like Ammy Virk.”
Ferozepuria explained that one of the earliest turban styles, the Dumala Dastar, traced its origins to the formation of the Khalsa Panth. Worn by Nihang warriors, it symbolized valor, with its fluttering fabric compared to a flag in motion.
Each mannequin in the museum offers an immersive glimpse into the past, dressed in historical attire corresponding to its respective time period. Visitors were especially drawn to the elaborate turbans of Sikh soldiers from the British Raj and the regal headgear worn by Sikh Maharajas, embellished with traditional kalgi plumes. The museum also acknowledges the role of Sikh women with displays of their head coverings, alongside simpler styles like the patka, popularized internationally by cricketer Bishen Singh Bedi.
As devotees paid their respects at the Golden Temple nearby, the Turban Museum stood as a testament to Sikh legacy — a vibrant tribute echoing the unyielding pride and spirituality of the turban since the days of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
