The traditional attire of Sikhs dates back centuries. Har Gobind, the sixth guru, initiated the warrior the tradition of wearing two swords which are depicted in the khanda, or Sikh crest. His grandson Har Rai, the seventh guru, wore a chola when training at arms and riding horseback. Gobind Singh, the tenth guru established the tradition of wearing kakar, five required articles of faith, for the initiated Sikh. The Sikh code of conduct specifies the wearing of a turban for all Sikh males, giving Sikh females the option of wearing a head scarf instead. The name for such traditional spiritual attire is bana.
Bana - Sikh Spiritual Attire
Photo © [Khalsa Panth]
Bana is the word for the traditional spiritual attire of a Sikh. Many Sikhs wear ceremonial bana when attending worship programs and ritual ceremonies at the gurdwara, or during holidays and festivals. Very devout Sikhs may wear traditional bana daily.
Chola - Sikh Warrior Attire
Photo © [Dharam Kaur Khalsa]
A chola is the name of a particular style of bana worn traditionally by Sikh warriors. It is a kind of dress or robe which has a wide flared skirt made with a panels to allow for freedom of movement. A famous story tells how Guru Har Rai, snagged his chola on a rose bush, and the lesson of self mastery it entailed.
Kakar - Required Articles of Sikh Faith
Photo © [Gurumustuk Singh Khalsa]
The kakar are the five articles of faith:
- Kachhera - Loose undergarment.
- Kanga - Wooden comb.
- Kara - Iron Bangle.
- Kes - Unshorn hair.
- Kirpan - Ceremonial short sword.
Khanda - Embellishment of Sikh Emblem
Photo © [S Khalsa]
The khanda is an emblem representing the Khalsa crest, or Sikh coat of arms. It consists of a double edge sword in the center a circlet and two swords. A khanda embellishment may be appliqued or embroidered on ceremonial Sikh clothing, or worn as a turban pin.
Kurta Pajama - Sikh Men's Wear
Photo © [S Khalsa]
Kurta Pajama is Sikh men's wear. A Kurta is a kind of long tailored shirt with side slits up to the pocket. A kurta may have a finished or straight edge cuffs and a rounded or straight hem. The pajama is a loose pant often made of fabric to match the kurta. The very devout wear simple styles in solid colors to express humility.
Salvar Kamees - Sikh Women's Wear
Photo © [S Khalsa]
Salvar Kamees is Sikh women's wear. Salvar are a baggy loose fitting pant with an ankle cuff called a ponche. The salvar is worn beneath a dress top of as many styles as their is imagination and color sometimes embroidered. The color of the salvar and kamees may match or contrast, and is worn with a color coordinated matching, or contrasting, chunni or dupatta. The very devout tend to wear simple prints, or solid colors with little embroidery, as an expression of humility.
Turban - Headwear of a Sikh
Photo © [S Khalsa]
The Sikh turban is worn in a variety of styles. Required wear for a Sikh man, a turban is optional for a Sikh woman who may choose instead to wear a scarf, alone, or over a turban.
Turban styles:
- Domalla - Double length turban of 10 or more yards (meters).
- Pagri - Double width turban of five to six yards (meters).
- Dastar - A single turban of four to six yards (meters).
- Keski - A short turban of two or three yards (meters).
- Patka - A square of half to one yard (meter), tied over the joora (top knot) and head.
- Fifty - A half yard worn beneath turban.
Scarf Styles:
- Chunni - A sheer lightweight veil of up to two and half yards (meters).
- Dupatta - A double wide fabric veil of up to two and half yards (meters).
- Ramal - Square or triangular head cover.
