Turban bank at Bangla Sahib

New Delhi, November 24

A ‘turban bank’ has been started at Bangla Sahib Gurdwara here by the Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee to motivate young Sikhs to wear their religious symbol. The unique initiative was launched with donated ‘pagris’ (turbans) marking the 550th birth anniversary of founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev, said Manjinder Singh Sirsa, DSGMC head.

“A Sikh youth can have a turban at a cost of Rs 50 from the turban bank at Bangla Sahib. In a matter of few days, only 500 turbans have been given while 1,000 have been received by the bank,” he said. “The cost of a new 6-metre ‘pagri’ comes to about Rs 600, excluding tailoring cost. Each donated turban is dyed to give it a fresh look,” Sirsa said. “The positive response the initiative has evoked in the past three week will see more turban banks coming up in Delhi and NCR areas,” he said.

Two Sikh veterans have been deputed to teach the technique of tying turban. The DSGMC plans to set up such turban banks at all 10 historic gurdwaras under its control and assist other Sikh institutions, such as the Singh Sabha, to join the initiative.

“Pagri signifies honour, courage, self-respect, spirituality and is integral to Sikh faith,” Sirsa said. PTI