The dastār or "paag" is a traditional headscarf worn by men in the Sikh religion in India. The dastār is wrapped from an 8-meter-long strip of cloth and worn on the head to secure long hair, which their religion forbids them from cutting short. This is the most defining feature and pride of Sikh men.
However, the dastār is not only for men but also for Sikh women. During the Nectar ceremony, also known as The Amrit Sanskar, the Sikh initiation rite, a Sikh girl can choose between wearing a paag or a chunni. Another term for a chunni is a dupatta, which is typically draped over the head and left behind the shoulders.
Wearing a dastār, whether by a woman or a man, is a sign of faith and reverence for the Sikh religion. In Sikhism, the dastār represents spirituality, sanctity, and humility. Moreover, it is a symbol of honor and self-respect. In Punjabi culture, those who have selflessly served the community take pride in wearing the turban.
However, today's young Sikhs are exposed to a multitude of global cultures, which has resulted in some of them cutting their hair shorter and forgoing the dastār.
Sikhism, founded by Guru Nanak in the 15th century in Northern India, is a religion that evolved from Sufism, Hinduism, and Islam. Currently, it is the world's fifth-largest religion with 23 million followers, 90% of whom live in the Indian state of Punjab. The turban is the most recognizable feature of a Sikh.
The Sikh religion includes maintaining five articles of faith, known as the five Ks, all of which begin with the letter K in Punjabi. The most prominent one is kesh, which entails keeping uncut hair and wearing a turban. The other four articles are kara, a steel bracelet symbolizing strength and integrity; kirpan, a ceremonial sword representing martial strength; kanga, a small wooden comb to maintain the uncut hair and signify cleanliness and order; and kachhera, cotton shorts representing chastity and readiness for battle.