Auckland experiences pride of Sikh-turban

Sikh Youth NZ hosted a turban and food stall at Silo Park on December 16 and 17 as part of an event focused on Indian culture.

The group was approached by Fresh Concepts, the organisers of Silo Park events, who had previously been to the Auckland Turban Day and believed it would be great to see the colourful turbans in giving Aucklanders a taste of Indian cultures.

Aucklanders again got an opportunity to experience what it’s like having a turban tied on their heads and learn about the religious and cultural values behind wearing a turban.

It was clearly explained to all enthusiasts keen on trying turban on their heads that alcohol or cigarettes were strictly prohibited for consumption while having a turban on heads.

The attendees were given a choice of different turban styles that they wanted to try on their head.

Subsequently, participants were also educated about the historical significance of the turban and the values of equality and leadership that a turban represents.

“A turban is a significant part of the Sikh ‘uniform’ given to us by our beloved Guru Gobind Singh.

We wear it as our crown, and it represents honour, self-respect, courage and spirituality to us.

It reminds us of the Guru Ji’s teachings and that we must uphold them”, explained Deepa Orange, one of the turban-tiers at the event.

The participants were then given the opportunity to take a photo and walk around the park with the turban on, provided they understood and respected the rules of taking care of a turban.

Harvin Hans, the coordinator for Sikh youth group believes “The kids that experienced wearing a turban will now hopefully have a more open-minded perspective of the turban and be more accepting towards their turban-clad friends in the future, and the adults that experienced wearing a turban will hopefully now look at a Sardar and smile at the fact that they have experienced having one on their head, even for a few hours.

The organisers were hopeful that their project will be a topic of conversation amongst the people that had the experience of wearing a turban and will be able to pass on the message of equality as being one of the main reasons behind why Sikhs wear turbans.

The youth also ran a food stall on both days serving masala chai, samosas and pakoras to raise funds for their future events including the Gurmat Samelan 2017 – Forts of Anandpur Sahib, which will be taking place on January 19 and 20.

Please visit www.sikhyouthnz.org for more information on our future endeavours.