TSA & Turban, Post 911 Airport Security
The distinctive Sikh appearance of beard and turban is often at odds with society's dictates. Schools and government agencies periodically challenge the wearing of five kakars, the required articles of faith. Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack of the World Trade Center, some people view Sikhs wearing a turban and kirpan, the ceremonial short sword, with suspicion. Sikhs have been victims of sporadic hate crimes across the United States. Air travel has become more difficult for everyone, and Sikhs in particular. In October of 2007 the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued new regulations for checking headwear including patting down by hand and removal of religious head gear such as turbans by Transportation Security Officers (TSO).
What are the TSA regulations, regarding the Sikh turban and travel?
TSA regulations and screening procedures, as well as advice for the Sikh traveler are provided on the Sikh Coalition website.
How can a Sikh traveler report a complaint or violation of civil right and liberties?
The TSA website provides all necessary information for reporting concerns regarding civil liberties.
Respect for Hair & Turban
Why is so much emphasis put on the Sikh Turban?
All Sikhs have a code of conduct they are expected to follow. A Sikh is expected to keep all hair intact and the head covered. The rule of dress for Sikh attire, is a turban for the Sikh man. The Sikh woman may wear a turban or elect instead to wear a kind of traditional headscarf with or without the turban.
What is the significance of keeping the hair covered?
At the time of initiation, immortalizing amrit nectar is sprinkled directly on the kes (hair). Khalsa consider the kes to be sacred thereafter. The baptized Sikh, initiated into the order of Khalsa, has specific mandatory requirements which must be adhered to or be held liable for chastisement. It is forbidden to dishonor the kes.
Why the concern about removing the turban?
A Sikh feels naked without the turban and normally removes it only in the most intimate of circumstances such as bathing the head and hair daily. Care and cleanliness of the kes is stressed. After washing the kes:
- The kanga, a wooden comb, is used to detangle the kes.
- The kes is twisted into a joora, a knot atop the head.
- The kanga helps to secure the joora and is kept with the hair at all times.
- The keski, a protective length of cloth, binds the hair atop the head and may be covered by a turban or chunni.
From the purely practical aspect it is inconvenient to remove a turban in public:
- A Sikhs hair, uncut from birth, or re-birth as Khalsa, may grow to shoulder, waist, hip, knee length or longer.
- A turban maybe be 4-6 yards in length or longer and a half yard to 2 yards in width.
- The turban may take 20 minutes or more to tie, requiring the use of both hands, and is not to touch the floor at any time during the process.
- The salaee, a small pointed tool used for tucking ends of hair and smoothing the folds of the turban, is unlikely to be permitted past a check point.
Why are Sikhs so concerned about having the turban touched?
It is considered a great dishonor for anyone to violate another’s turban by removing It, and very disrespectful if touched with unwashed hands, or by one who does not themselves respect and adhere to Khalsa principals, especially where use of tobacco is involved.
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