The Indian turban has both religious and social significance. It is worn by Sikh followers but other communities in Asia have used the cloth for practical or cultural reasons. The reasons include protection against excessive heat and shielding the hair from dust. For the Sikhs, it is part of their religion and has been in use for generations now.

The tradition is borrowed from Guru Nanak who is credited for founding the religion several centuries ago. This trend was picked and perpetuated by succeeding Gurus in his honor. It was used to reinforce the religious principles that followers held close to their heart. It would gain more significance in the hands of Guru Gobind Sigh when he advocated for Sikh brotherhood. This was a practice grounded in similarity.

Among the instructions that members of the Sikh brotherhood were to follow are maintaining long hair, steel bangle, a ceremonial comb, a sword as well as use of special undergarments. The need to contain the long hair led many of them to adopt the culture of using turbans.

The Indian turban is special in the properties that it must adapt. It is either made of cotton, synthetic cloth or silk. It measures about five yards with a width of about one and a half yards. It is supported by the tension created when wrapping it around the head. All ends must be tacked in skillfully, an art taught to young men from a tender age.

Preferred materials include silk, cotton and special synthetic material. It is available in different colors depending on individual preference and occasion. It remains a cloth as long as it is not tied to the head. Immediately it is tied, it acquires crucial religious significance.

The Indian turban is used to remind the wearer the principles and duties of this religion. One is to be honest, humble, of sound ethics, be disciplined and maintain spiritual uprightness. It is a uniting factor in memory and honor of the gurus who served the religion in the past. Beside these factors, it holds the hair together since it must not be trimmed.

There is a psychological angle to wearing turbans. They are said to reinforce inner strength as well as help in focusing on the virtues advocated by Gurus. This attire is conspicuous. It serves as a reminder that they must behave in such a way as not to discredit their religion and beliefs. One must represent Sikhism appropriately. An individual is a global representation of this religion and must therefore behave accordingly.

Emergent of new turban designs has brought a sensation to the Sikh community. It has given followers a chance to exercise creativity and allowed the entry of professional designers into styling. Young faithful have an opportunity to contribute towards the development of a dynamic culture for the community. The guiding principles, including holding all the temples of the head together, must be maintained regardless of the design.

The Indian turban is a universal symbol for the Sikhs. Baptized men and women prefer to use it to manage their hair as part of their religious principle. Styles change with community, but the basic principles of holding all the temples in your head together are maintained.