Inspired by the Turban Day celebrations in the United States and Norway, Sikh Youth NZ organised Auckland Turban Day on May 28 at Aotea Centre. The event, which took place from noon to 3 p.m., was a hit among Aucklanders.
It was a day to educate people and celebrate the significance of wearing a turban. There have been recent instances where Sikhs wearing turbans have been victims of discrimination.
Volunteers distributed flyers and encouraged individuals to try a turban. Many stopped by merely at the sight of the colourful turbans. Inspired by the enthusiastic gathering, they enquired about the event and even tried on the turban.
“It was delightful to watch so many people wearing different-coloured turbans. From a distance, it looked like some kind of celebration and it indeed is. I couldn’t stop myself from being away from the gathering, now I am sporting this red turban and it is looking amazing,” said Ola from Germany who was passing by with friends from Britain and Scotland.
Auckland Turban Day was conceptualised and planned a month ago, and the organisers used every small platform to promote the event. Information about the event spread quickly through Facebook, posters in Gurudwaras, supermarkets and through word of mouth.
“We really didn’t have high expectations from the event, but we were positive that we can make a mark. We made arrangements for 150–200 people but more than 300 people have visited, which was outstanding. The visitors who came forward to try the turban also enquired more about Sikhism and the concept behind turbans,” said Amrita, Navin and Naveen, the organisers of the event.
The event was so popular that it was featured on News Hub with John Campbell, on Radio New Zealand, Auckland Live, and many other newspapers in Auckland.
Visitors patiently sat on the picnic chairs looking amused at the mirror while one of the volunteers tied the turban on their head. What came after tying the turban was a beaming smile, host of selfies and snapshots with the volunteers and friends. Visitors irrespective of their faith, beliefs and ethnicity volunteered to try the turban and encouraged each other too.
“I often go to Gurudwaras, sit down for langar and sit during the kirtans. I have visited Gurudwaras in New Zealand andScotland and in Amritsar, Shimla, and Jalandhar in India,” mentioned Scottish descent, Mikey Beban.
Mikey proudly sported a T-Shirt with the Khanda (Sikh symbol) print on it, blue torn jeans, a kara on his left tattooed arm and a blue turban wishing everyone Sat Sri Akaal in his accent. Mikey was more like a celebrity at the venue as many thronged to speak to him and take selfies and snaps.
The turbans were purchased, donated and sponsored by individuals to be used at the event. By late afternoon , people started sharing turbans as they began to run out. The event concluded with a big photo shoot with the volunteers and the visitors.