Colorful Turbans of Rajasthan - The Rajput Pride

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The Crown of Rajasthan !!!
The turbans of Rajasthan are the most colourful and impressive in whole of the India. The use of turbans were basically started by the Rajput community, who reside in the Indian state of Rajasthan. They used to wear distinct turbans and the Hindi pronouncation of turban is Paag, Safa or Pagri. Once you experience the royal culture of Rajasthan, you will be amazed with the variations of colourful turbans. It is said that the style of the turban changes with every 15 km you travel within the geographical boundaries of Rajasthan. In some parts of the region, the size of turban indicate the position of the person in the society they live.

Relevance Behind Each Coloured Turban !!!
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. Turbans of specified colours are worn to mark periods of mourning. A white turban is worn for funeral processions by immediate family members. Whereas the khaki, blue and dark maroon are reserved for the solemnity of a condolence visit. Whereas in Rajasthan each caste have their own distinguishing colours, by which they are recognised, like shepherds wear red turbans, Bishnois, who are known as the most nomadic shepherd tribes and environmental conservationists, always wear white turbans and the other tribal communities wear printed turbans. Thus, the painted area is then wrapped with the tissue, plastic, or medical tape to lock in the body heat, so that it can create more intense colour on the skin. The wrap is worn overnight and then removed in the next morning. Which when washed, leaves a rich reddish brown colour on the surface of skin and can last somewhere from one to three weeks, depending on the quality of the paste

Seasonal Turbans !!!
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 Turbans For Different Festivals !!!
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.

Advantages of Turbans !!!
The turban's size and shape is influenced by the climatic conditions of the different regions. Turbans in the hot desert areas are large and loose. Farmers and shepherds, who need constant protection from the elements of nature wear some of the most voluminous turbans. They also have many practical functions. Exhausted travellers use it as a pillow, a blanket or a towel. Water, if muddy, can be strained through a turban. Unraveled, it can be used as a rope to draw water from a well with a bucket. The Maharajahs of Rajasthan were known for their colourful traditional costumes and grand turbans. The people of Rajasthan down the years would adopt approximately the same style of headgear as the reigning king.