In the deserts of Rajasthan, India there was a great monarchy. The monarchy was ruled by the revered Rajput kings who led with an iron fist. The turban hat, traditionally referred to as safa or pagari, is all that remains of their hierarchy. The safa is a ten meter long, one meter wide piece of cloth that is commonly seen on the heads of Indian men. The cloth is a strong part of Indian culture, music and tradition.
Its most prevalent and well known use is as a hat. The traditional piece of cloth is a common fashion statement for men in India and other Middle East nations. When donned on the head, it signifies the caste, class or profession. This piece of clothing is part fashion wear in India and is commonly seen in weddings, funerals, graduation parties among other occasions.
The religious nature attached to the pagari cannot be understated. In many Middle Eastern cultures, the traditional headband is worn for religious purposes. For instance, Sikhs who do not cut their hair in respect for God, keep it covered with a cloth. Muslims also wear the headpiece as a sign of their devotion and humility. The different color cloths hold different meanings to different individuals. A white safa signifies purity according to Islam, while the green one represents paradise.
Considering that Rajasthan is a hot desert, it may at times beat sense why there is need for extra clothing. However, as you may know, desert temperatures drop significantly at night to near freezing degrees. In such instances, the cloth is unwound and used as a blanket to cover the holder. Furthermore, the harsh wind during the day carries a lot of dust that can only be avoided by use of a pagari.
During the day, it is not uncommon to see dozens of Rajasthan men sleeping along the roadside or under shades. The cloth suffices as a comfortable makeshift pillow for all who want to rest. Since most pagaris are made of heavy chiffon and muslin fabric, they provide the much needed comfort.
Traditional men use the headpiece to carry small objects that they cannot do without. In this case, the hat serves as a pocket. In it, you can find items such as knives, tobacco, money or pens. In towns, the headband has become a hiding place for pick pockets and small time thugs. Waiters, bartenders and restaurant attendants use the hat to conceal their tips.
Considering that a vast part of Rajasthan is a desert, it is difficult to find water. Other than oases, the only other source is deep wells. The cloth is used to draw and strain water from these underground caves. The technique involves tying the cloth to a bucket and lowering it to the underground reservoir.
The Thugees, a rogue religious sect made use of the turban hat as a weapon. They used the cloth to strangle travelers or hurl rocks. Furthermore, it could be utilized to hide knives and other dangerous objects.
Its most prevalent and well known use is as a hat. The traditional piece of cloth is a common fashion statement for men in India and other Middle East nations. When donned on the head, it signifies the caste, class or profession. This piece of clothing is part fashion wear in India and is commonly seen in weddings, funerals, graduation parties among other occasions.
The religious nature attached to the pagari cannot be understated. In many Middle Eastern cultures, the traditional headband is worn for religious purposes. For instance, Sikhs who do not cut their hair in respect for God, keep it covered with a cloth. Muslims also wear the headpiece as a sign of their devotion and humility. The different color cloths hold different meanings to different individuals. A white safa signifies purity according to Islam, while the green one represents paradise.
Considering that Rajasthan is a hot desert, it may at times beat sense why there is need for extra clothing. However, as you may know, desert temperatures drop significantly at night to near freezing degrees. In such instances, the cloth is unwound and used as a blanket to cover the holder. Furthermore, the harsh wind during the day carries a lot of dust that can only be avoided by use of a pagari.
During the day, it is not uncommon to see dozens of Rajasthan men sleeping along the roadside or under shades. The cloth suffices as a comfortable makeshift pillow for all who want to rest. Since most pagaris are made of heavy chiffon and muslin fabric, they provide the much needed comfort.
Traditional men use the headpiece to carry small objects that they cannot do without. In this case, the hat serves as a pocket. In it, you can find items such as knives, tobacco, money or pens. In towns, the headband has become a hiding place for pick pockets and small time thugs. Waiters, bartenders and restaurant attendants use the hat to conceal their tips.
Considering that a vast part of Rajasthan is a desert, it is difficult to find water. Other than oases, the only other source is deep wells. The cloth is used to draw and strain water from these underground caves. The technique involves tying the cloth to a bucket and lowering it to the underground reservoir.
The Thugees, a rogue religious sect made use of the turban hat as a weapon. They used the cloth to strangle travelers or hurl rocks. Furthermore, it could be utilized to hide knives and other dangerous objects.
No comments:
Post a Comment