Ties or Scarves

Turbans

Turbans

Turnaround time for the turban?
21 Jun, 2007 l 0245 hrs ISTlSupriya Bhardwaj/TIMES NEWS NETWORK
CHANDIGARH: The turban is all set to become the crowning glory once again, with more and more people taking pride in sporting it, much to the relief of Sikh clergy crying hoarse over Sikh youths' preference for a clean-shaven look. Testimony to this is the mushrooming of pagadi-tying centres in several cities and towns across the state.

Sikh parents have slotted turban-tying classes for their boys at these centres. Thronging these classes are not just little ones being initiated into the art, but even stylish young men who look forward to mastering the skill of wrapping up the six-metre of muslin on their heads.

A turban can be tied within five to 15 minutes, depending on the length, breadth and type of fabric. The centres that teach this art for Rs 300-400 a month, have come in very handy for working couples who do not find time to pass on the tradition to their sons.

Inderpreet Sahni from Khalsa Pagadi Training Centre, Patiala, says, "Money is not a problem for people, but time definitely is. At present, we have 45 students in our institute and at least, 25 per cent of people have asked us to teach their sons this technique at home for which they are ready to shell out more."

If there's a queue for learners, there's also the kind who opt for these centres to make life simpler. "We have at least 10 customers who pay us Rs 15 to get their turbans tied by us daily," adds Sahni.

Special occasions demand a perfect look. Rajinder Kumar from Turban Center, Chandigarh, explains, "There is a 20 per cent increase in demand for turban-tying centres during weddings and other occasions. We also guide people on how to tie the turban when they purchase the fabric for it." The readymade 'Thai patkas', for Rs 20 onwards, sell like hot cakes, says Kumar

posted by Robee Dobee @ 6:36 AM