Is Sikhism a sinking ship???
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In Punjab, the turban is disappearing fast
Oct 30, 2006, PATIALA: Imagine the swirling fields of Punjab — and its urbanscape too — peopled by Sikhs with crew cuts and long hair, gelled and oiled, spiked and straightened, but without the ubiquitous turban. Can't? You will if you only hear of the number of people heading for the barber's shop.
In a radical movement of sorts that is sweeping the entire expanse of Punjab, the young Sikh is not thinking twice before shearing his tresses. The trend has both shocked and worried community leaders. With 90% of all Sikh families in Punjab with at least a couple of members without a turban, the Panth has reasons for anxiety.
"It is a challenge to the traditional Sikh identity. There are lakhs of people who might imbibe Sikhism in spirit but the most visible symbol of Sikh faith, the turban, is disappearing fast. The new generation has not understood the principles of Sikh faith properly and is giving in to Western influences," says Avtar Singh Makkar, president of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, the highest decision-taking body for Sikhs. Elders in families are fighting a losing battle against the zeal of young Sikh men ready for the shearing. "Hair is not just a symbol, it is the gift from God and Sikhism calls for its preservation. If the alarming trend is not checked we will one day have no Sikh with a turban to show," added an anxious Tehal Singh, an elder in village Muradpur, Patiala.
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Sikhs Balbir Singh (right) and Malkeet Singh chose to cut their locks, an act they acknowledged was wrong.
Losing the Turban: Indian Sikhs at odds on essentials
6 December, 2011,
New Delhi (CNN) - On a Saturday afternoon, Balbir Singh and Malkeet Singh find sanctuary from the Indian capital's chaos in the landmark Bangla Sahib gurdwara, or Sikh temple. The two friends, like so many young Sikhs, have come on this day to reflect on their faith.
They acknowledge their sin is highly visible.
Neither has a beard. Neither is wearing a turban. Both are important symbols of their religion, intrinsic to Sikh identity.
"I know it's wrong to cut my hair," says Balbir Singh, his head covered with a printed black and white cotton scarf - both men and women must cover their hair before entering the gurdwara.
But in 2011, he says, a turban feels outdated and not in sync with the Western fashions adopted by Indian men.
"Besides," he says, with a smile, "women don't like turbans."
Whether it's style or more pragmatic reasons like getting a job, many younger Sikhs think the turban old hat.
It's a trend that has alarmed the leadership of the world's 25-million-strong Sikh community and fueled debate on whether you can still be considered a good Sikh if you cut your hair.