A number of free turban and dastar-tying training sessions in four cities in New Zealand are aiming to spread teachings and message of Sikhism.

Organised by the Supreme Sikh Society of New Zealand that governs two gurudwaras in Auckland, Otahuhu and Takanini and Radio Sadeaala, the turban-tying sessions will be held between Friday, April 12 and Thursday, May 2.

Two renowned Indian turban tying professionals are flying to New Zealand to conduct the turban tying and training sessions especially for the Sikh children living in New Zealand.

“We are getting Gurjeet Singh and Sahib Singh, both international turbans tying professionals carrying ten years of experience each who will teach more than 50 ways or styles of tying a turban to our children and youth,” Sharan Singh, from the organising team, told The Indian Weekender.

The poster of the event was launched at an event in South Auckland on Tuesday, April 9 in the presence of Gurudwara members, radio presenters and sponsors.

To promote and create more awareness about Sikhism and its teaching a number of events are held across New Zealand, including Turban Day events, Nagar kirtan and cultural day celebrations at Gurudwaras inviting the extended non-Sikh community to participate.

“The idea behind the event is also to get our youth to learn more about Sikhism, the significance of wearing turbans and the pride carries,” Mr Singh added.

The first event will be held at Otahuhu and Takanini Gurudwara Sahib between 12- 21 April. Radio Sadeaala will host turban tying sessions at their studio between 22 and 26 April, followed by Tauranga Gurudwara Sahib on 27 and 28 April. Hastings Gurudwara Sahib will host the training on 29 & 30 April followed by the last leg of the event at Christchurch Gurudwara Sahib on May 1 and 2.

“We encourage parents to bring their children to these sessions at different places so that our younger generation can learn more about tying the turban in different styles and spend some quality time learning about the history of turbans and values attached to it,” Mr Singh said.

The first 50 boys and girls enrolled for the session will be receiving a free turban/dastar, and participants between five and 12 will also be receiving free turbans.

The Supreme Sikh Society is also hosting a competition on Sunday, May 5 at Takanini Gurudwara and boys and girls with the best turbans will receive a prize from the organisers.

All the events held across different regions are open to families and people of all ages and genders to participate in the training sessions.