Other Art and Craft of Rajasthan
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
Do You Know
A turban is usually 82 feet long and 8 inches
wide, achieving different styles with this unstitched cloth, requires great
skill. Skilled maidens in turban tying, were employed by the royal courts,
but Rajasthanis generally take pride in practicing and perfecting the art of
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
It is a great experience to note the
characteristics of the turban tying in Rajasthan, it is said that the style
and size of turbans change in every 15 km and is a great indicator to
discriminate the position of the person in the society.
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 !!!
Off - Treck
These racial turbans of Rajasthan have become a
source of prime attraction for international tourists, they also
enthusiastically participate in turban tying competitions held in many fairs
and festivals of Rajasthan.
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.