When
God created the universe, He must have accidentally
spilled His paints onto a small piece of earth that was
to become India. Perhaps no other country in the world
can boast of a culture and array of costumes as colourful as
ours. Indian turbans, also called 'pethas' or 'safas'
or 'pagris', are equally attractive. And what's more, they
are making a comeback. It sits easy on the heads of glamorous
models doing the catwalk.
The size, colour and style of tying the turban
varies from place to place, depending on the social class of
the wearer. These aspects have been studied and 'pagris'
have been prepared in miniaturized versions so that they do
not occupy too much of space and their cost is reduced. Indian
head-gear has evolved over the years and, today, a head gear
looks very different from those of the medieval period.
Rajasthani Turbans are known for their beauty and elegance.
They are an essential part of the traditional outfit and are
still worn in small towns and villages of Rajasthan, Gujarat,
and parts of Bihar. It has been estimated that there are
approximately one thousand different styles and types
of turbans in India. The various styles of turbans denote different
regions and castes. These variations are called by different
names such as pagari, petha and safa. A pagari
is usually 82 feet long and 8 inches wide. A 'safa'
is shorter and broader. The turban material is also a pointer
to social status.
Achieving the different styles with just a length of material
requires great skill. Specialists in this art, called 'pagribands',
were employed by the royal courts, but in North India people
generally take pride in practicing and perfecting the art of
turban-tying themselves.
A
turban's colour also has a tale to tell. Some colors and patterns
are seasonal. For instance in Rajasthan, the white and
red 'falguniya' turban is worn only during spring. The
dotted 'chunri' pattern or bright colors signify a marriage
or the birth of a child. On the other hand, colors like dark
blue, maroon or khaki signify a death in the family. Wearing
the wrong type of turban under the wrong circumstances can make
you an object of ridicule!
Bangalore city, the compliant fashion hub of the South,
has been giving North Indian turbans a second look. Of
late, many South Indian marriages are considered incomplete
without the use of turbans. Tying a turban has become a fashion
statement now. Many stores in Bangalore have a good demand
for different styles of colorful turbans. But one must be aware
of the color significance of wearing a turban.
For the look of a prince, reach out for one of that oh-so-cool
Indian headgear. And then keep a cool head when you find
yourself the center of attraction.
Turbans available at:
Formale,
# 3, Century Plaza, 294, K. Kamaraja Road,
Below Mysore Saree Udhyog,
Near Commercial Street Entrance,
Bangalore- 560 042. Phone: 2509 8820 Fax:2559 6090 E-mail:formale@
bgl.vsnl.net.in
Lords Men's Wear,
51/4, OPH Road, Ist Floor,
Jumma Masjid Road,
Near Commercial Street,
Shivaji Nagar,
Bangalore-560 051 Ranka Brothers,
532, II Floor, Chickpet,
Near Balaji Temple,
Avenue Road,
Bangalore-560 002
When
God created the universe, He must have accidentally
spilled His paints onto a small piece of earth that was
to become India. Perhaps no other country in the world
can boast of a culture and array of costumes as colourful as
ours. Indian turbans, also called 'pethas' or 'safas'
or 'pagris', are equally attractive. And what's more, they
are making a comeback. It sits easy on the heads of glamorous
models doing the catwalk. 
A
turban's colour also has a tale to tell. Some colors and patterns
are seasonal. For instance in Rajasthan, the white and
red 'falguniya' turban is worn only during spring. The
dotted 'chunri' pattern or bright colors signify a marriage
or the birth of a child. On the other hand, colors like dark
blue, maroon or khaki signify a death in the family. Wearing
the wrong type of turban under the wrong circumstances can make
you an object of ridicule! 
