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| The
Princely Look |
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 When God created the universe, He
must have accidentally spilled His paints onto a small piece
of earth that was to become India. Perhaps no other country
in the world can boast of a culture and array of costumes as colourful
as ours. Indian turbans, also called 'pethas' or 'safas'
or 'pagris', are equally attractive. And what's more, they are
making a comeback. It sits easy on the heads of glamorous models doing
the catwalk.
The size, colour and style of tying the turban
varies from place to place, depending on the social class of the wearer.
These aspects have been studied and 'pagris' have been prepared
in miniaturized versions so that they do not occupy too much of space
and their cost is reduced. Indian head-gear has evolved over the years
and, today, a head gear looks very different from those of the medieval
period.
Rajasthani Turbans are known for their beauty and elegance.
They are an essential part of the traditional outfit and are still
worn in small towns and villages of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts
of Bihar. It has been estimated that there are approximately one
thousand different styles and types of turbans in India. The
various styles of turbans denote different regions and castes. These
variations are called by different names such as pagari, petha
and safa. A pagari is usually 82 feet long and 8
inches wide. A 'safa' is shorter and broader. The turban
material is also a pointer to social status.
Achieving the different styles with just a length of material requires
great skill. Specialists in this art, called 'pagribands',
were employed by the royal courts, but in North India people generally
take pride in practicing and perfecting the art of turban-tying themselves.
 A turban's colour also has a tale to tell. Some colors
and patterns are seasonal. For instance in Rajasthan, the white
and red 'falguniya' turban is worn only during spring. The dotted
'chunri' pattern or bright colors signify a marriage or the birth
of a child. On the other hand, colors like dark blue, maroon or
khaki signify a death in the family. Wearing the wrong type of
turban under the wrong circumstances can make you an object of ridicule!
For the look of a prince, reach out for one of that oh-so-cool
Indian headgear. And then keep a cool head when you find yourself
the center of attraction.
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