Dastar Bandi Of Gobind at San Jose Gurdwara Sahib June 10, 2017.

The turban, since ancient times, has been of significant importance in Punjab, the birth place of Sikhism. There was a time when only kings, royalty, and those of high stature wore turbans. Two people would trade their turbans to show love or friendship towards each other.

The turban has been an integral part of the Sikh tradition since the time of Guru Nanak. Historical accounts relay to us that all Sikh gurus wore turbans and their followers – Sikhs – have been wearing them since the formation of the faith. The turban serves as a mark of commitment to the Sikh Gurus.

The Sikh Gurus sought to uplift the downtrodden and make them equals of the highest of the high. The turban is certainly a gift of love from the founders of the Sikh religion and is symbolic of sovereignty that is of Divine concession. 

Gobind is growing a handsome grandson, serious and jovial at the same time. So from today, Listen Gobind, "Turban will distinguish in you a Sikh as an instrument of the Guru and will decree accountability for certain spiritual and temporal duties. Wearing the turban will give you much inner strength as well. You as a Sikh, Gobind, will take this gift of the Guru with you everywhere you go. Just by being exposed to this regal quality, your attitude and psyche will get shaped in a certain way. At the same time, there will be a great deal of responsibility accompanied by the turban. Your actions are no longer tied to you. Since Sikhs who wear the turban represent the Guru, your actions too will reflect on the Guru and the Sikh community." 

In this sense, your turban will serve to increase your commitment to Sikhism and lend to you becoming a more disciplined and virtuous person.

I am today humbled by the presence of so many distinguished and august community members who have spared their precious time to support Gobind and our family for standing with us on this joyous occasion.

I take this opportunity on behalf of our family to thank near and dear who have made extra ordinary efforts to attend today's function. I am particularly indebted to Shiv's father-in-law Major Gen (Retd.) Harkirat Singh, mother-in-law Balli Bhenji for coming all the way from New Delhi, and Mrs Shruti Khurana & her two lovely kids Aveer and Deliza who came all the way from Ludhiana.

Thank you Jagdeep Kapoor my nephew who flew from Dalas to join us.

Thank you Bikram Kandhari who had to revise his planned vacations in Europe and instead rushed to the event from Chandigarh.

My sincerest thanks to Kapil Bakshi who managed to squeeze his time for the occasion from Maryland.

My thanks are also to Kanwal Jeet and Manjeet Bhenji for driving all the way from LA.

In the last but not the least, we are grateful to our San Francisco Bay Area community including our immediate and extended family and friends.

My address will remain incomplete without making a mention to the tremendous task successfully completed by two staunch ladies in our household - Harvinder & Shilpy without their spiritual and physical efforts, Dastar Bandhi was not possible.

Thanks Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee of San Jose Gurdwara Sahib and my brotherly Narinder Pal veer ji. 

Thanks for the inspiration from Surinder Sarin!