Posts Tagged pagri

Khanksanuma – The Traditional Topi (Head Wear) of Rajasthan

Topi is a light weighted hat worn in tropical countries for protection from sun. A king as well as a common man, all love to wear topi.

HISTORY

The impulse to cover head dates back to Vedic era. Topi is a object to protect  the wearer from scorching heat, dust and cold. Even early leaders wore  topis which made them popular among masses. Gandhi Topi which was made of khadi was quite famous till date. Emulating origin of Gandhi topi, Maulana Azad and Sheikh Abdullah sported traditional kashmiri topis.

Bikaner Kids Cap - A Very Old Photo

Bikaner Kids Cap - A Very Old Photo

RAJASTHANI TOPI

From the second stage of nineteen century, the trend of covering head with topi started instead of Shafa or Pagri. Generally these topis are ordinary and simple but royal kings and royal class used to topis made of satin, silk and fancy material. Intricate needle work was done to highlight it. Fancy work like Gota was also stitched to make it festive.

Khanksanuma Topi

A special type of topi known as Khanksanuma Topi which was quite popular in those times. Its shape was like olden comb and its name was originated from  the   word  comb.

The topi with four pieces is known as Chukuliya and two piece topi  is called as Dupaliya.

Significance of Wearing Topi

Topi is alive example of unity in diversity. It is the symbol of honor, pride and prestige. It represents freedom and equality.

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Turban – Pride of Rajasthan

Young Boy Wearing Pink Turban

Young Boy Wearing Pink Turban

A Very Old Man Wearing Khaki Turban

A Very Old Man Wearing Khaki Turban

Culture and Significance Of Wearing A Turban

The Turbans of Rajasthan are perhaps the most colorful and impressive in the whole of India. Known as safa and pagri also, the turban is a prominent and important part of a Rajput man’s dress.

It is said that turbans were first worn to protect the head from evil spirits.

Turban is ubiquitous head accessory in north India, especially in Rajasthan. Even in the big cities like Jaipur or Udaipur, a man without sporting his turban is not considered to be formally dressed. Turban is also associated with the status of a person as its colour and shape tells one about the person’s caste, religion, region, profession and what position he holds in the society.

Pricely Turban - Rich in Tradition and Color

Pricely Turban - Rich in Tradition and Color

The significance of turban is different in Rajasthan. It is more of a tradition and culture more than religion. It becomes a colourful and vibrant part of their daily attire. It is a common site in villages of Rajasthan when people are seen in vibrant and huge complicated turbans. Turban originated in the Rajput families where it was a ritual for men to wear at any special occasion. Even children were also sported with colourful turbans.

The Dimensions and Impressions – Turban Types, Colors, Designs and Size

Rajasthani turbans can be weaved with as long as 82 feet long and eight inches wide piece of cloth. It is estimated that there are approximately 1000 styles and types of turbans in Rajasthan, so that the style of tying it, can change every 15 kilometers in the countryside. Turban tying also an art that requires significant practice. When a man ties his turban, he twists the fabric across the front of the head to one side as he simultaneously turns the turban around and around his head to achieve a balanced shape as he continues to add more fabric.

Turban - For Warriors in Rajasthan

Turban - For Warriors in Rajasthan

Turbans add brilliant splash of colour and style to monotonous and barren lands. Each colour has its own importance and significance like Ochre is the colour of the mendicant, while the saffron is commonly worn at the time of weddings. In the medieval past, the colour saffron also denoted valour and chivalry. When besieged by an enemy, and food and water supplies were scanty, desperate warriors wearing saffron turbans would sneak out of their citadels to lead sudden surprise attacks on the enemy.

Some turban colours are seasonal to wear like in between February and March, flowers bloom and crops are harvested, it makes the best time for tourists to see the royal Rajasthani men, wearing a falgunia turban having white and red designs. Whereas in the month of July, the predominant colour is motiya or pearl pink. A green and pink striped or yellow and red striped lahariya turban, where the colours are tie dyed in waves, are worn during the time of monsoon. Whereas the Pancharanga is the distinguishing turban in the colourful soil of Rajasthan.

Different Style - Turban - Much Lighter In Weigth

Different Style - Turban - Much Lighter In Weigth

The famous Black Chunari (tie dyed) with the red borders is mainly used at the time of Diwali (festival of lights). The Falgunia Turban, having white and red patterns is wore at the time of Holi (festival of colour). A bright Saffron colour turban for Dassehra festival, held in the month of October. The Mothara turban, with tiny round designs is wore at the time of Raksha Bandhan (festival, when brothers pledge to protect sisters). yellow turban for Basant Panchami (spring festival) and the light pink turban is wore in the month of October, at the time of Sharad Poornima (full moon night). Commonly called a Safa, this beautiful turban is nine meters long and about one meter wide.

Red Turban - Best and The Most Popular

Red Turban - Best and The Most Popular

The city of Jaipur boasts of a turban museum, which claims to have one of the largest collections of turbans.

Turban tying contests are held every year at Pushkar festival and other events organized by the state tourism department.

There is a complete book on Turbans of Rajasthan, I would suggest you to just go through the book as it contains a lot of pictures and designs of various kinds of Turbans.

We have also picked up some turbans from Rajasthan so that you can have the glimpse what Rajasthan Pride is all about.

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