My Dastarbandi - Pagri Rasam

In the Sikh religion, the initiation of the turban—wrapping it for the first time—is a significant and sacred event. For me, this special moment took place in 1954, when we bought our house in Jangpura. To mark the occasion, we invited the entire extended family and held an “Akhand Path” - continuous reading of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and Kirtan followed by lavish Langar. It was during this celebration that I had my Pagdi Rasam—the traditional ceremony of tying the turban for the first time.

Pic from Bhatia Studio Sarafa Bazar, Panipat 1955

Alongside me was my cousin Tarlochan (Roop) my uncle’s son, who was a year younger than me. Both of us were initiated into this meaningful tradition together. 

Special deal on Vaisakhi day 1958, Bhatia Studio Sarafa Bazar, Panipat

However, I didn’t start wearing the turban regularly right away. It wasn’t until I turned twelve, and moved up a class of 9th in the Saharan Dharam High School, Panipat, that I began tying the turban regularly.

This is on special Diwali deal Krishna Studio, Halwai Haat Panipat. My friend Roshan Sharma and me wanted one side with one and half eye

In those early days, learning to tie the turban was not easy. I remember one of my close neighbors and friends, Inder Singh, who helped me through the process and guided me with patience. The photo you see above was taken when I was about thirteen years old. I was wearing a printed turban, which was quite fashionable at the time. We didn’t use a fifty (the inner layer or under-turban) back then. 

Historic pic with my Dad Sardar Vasdev Singh. My Mom forced my Dad to get a photo on Sale deal at Bhatia Studio, Sarafa Bazar, Panipat. No fifties are used underneath the turban.

Most people, including my father, my uncles, my cousin, and even Dr. Manmohan Singh former Prime minister of India a stanch Sikh from an earlier era, simply wrapped a well-folded, clean turban cloth directly on their heads without a fifty. That was the common practice—neat, respectful, and full of pride.

Looking back, those early lessons and memories around the turban still stay close to my heart.