India’s diversity is manifested in a variety of head gears found in various regions. They represent social, cultural and community and regional values. Headgear may be practical or decorative, ceremonial or part of daily attire. Presented here is a colour variety..Mithila turbanThe Mithila Turban is a headgear from the Mithila region of Bihar worn by Maithil people. The Paag carries a lot of respect and is worn by the people of Mithila with pride. The Paag dates back to pre-historic times when it was made of plant leaves. It exists today in a modified form. Paags are of different shades, colours and shapes. A paag song written by Birbal Jha and sung by popular Maithili singer Vikash Jha is a hit. The song appeals to Maithils to wear Paag, rising above caste, creed and gender in order to protect the traditional culture of the land..Haryanvi turbanHaryanvi Turban is called Khinda in Haryanvi language and is part of traditional dress in Haryana. It is a rolled piece of long cloth wrapped around the head. The cloth can be of any colour tied in a specific style. Today fully stitched pagadis are available which can be worn as simple as a hat..Mysore peta The Mysore ‘peta’ (turban) is a classic headgear that draws its roots from the erstwhile Maharajas of Mysore, Wodeyars. Even today, celebrities are often honoured with a Mysore peta during functions. The Inter-University Board of Karnataka ruled that students passing out of State universities will no longer have to stick to the conventional black caps during the convocation ceremony. They have been given the option of wearing Mysore Peta..DastarA Dastar pagṛi or pagg is a headgear associated with Sikhs. It is an important part of the Sikh culture. The style of the turban may vary among different Sikh orders and regions. Wearing a Sikh dastaar, or turban, is mandatory for all Amritdhari (initiated) Sikh men and women.Among the Sikhs, the dastar is an article of faith that represents honour, self-respect, courage, spirituality, and piety. The Khalsa Sikh men wear the turban partly to cover their long, uncut hair. The Khalsa Sikhs regard the dastar as an important part of the unique Sikh identity..Angami Naga capThe Angami Naga tribe in Nagaland State of India whose men wear a giant structure made of bamboo strips and cords of white cotton, topped with hornbill feathers. In the olden days, warriors had to prove their valour to wear the headgear..Japi hatThe Jaapi or Japi is a traditional conical hat from Assam state of India. It is composed of closely knit cane staff bundled together with clusters or “japs” of the leaves of “tokou” a palm tree. In the past plain jaapi were used by ordinary Indians for protection from the sun while ornate jaapi were worn as a status symbol by Assamese royalty and nobility. It is worn in a style of Bihu dance used as a protection against the elements offered as a sign of respect in ceremonies and placed as a decorative item around the house especially near the front door as welcome sign..Puneri PagadiThe Puneri Pagadi is considered as a symbol of pride and honour in the city of Pune. It was introduced two hundred years ago. The use of the pagadi has changed over the years and now it is also used on traditional days in colleges. To preserve the identity of the pagadi, there were demands to grant it a Geographical Indication (GI) status. It became an intellectual property in 2009. The Pagadi was introduced in the 19th century by Mahadev Govind Ranade, a social reformer. Later, it was worn by many leaders like Lokmanya Tilak, J.S. Karandikar, D.D. Sathye, Dr. Vitthalrao Gade, Tatyasaheb Kelkar and Datto Vaman Potdar. The Pagadi became more popular in 1973 after the Marathi play, Ghashiram Kotwal..Tepi Brokpa tribe capThe brokpa tribe is a small community of Dard people residing in Ladakh region of Jammu & Kashmir. A Brokpa tribal is identified by a colourful, headgear called Tepi that has various colourful props attached, embellished with colourful berry flowers. The Tepi is also an instrument that wards the evil eye. Old metal coins are part of the accessory. There is a belief that metal worn on the body prevents sickness. They believe each prop on the headgear has some medicinal purpose. The seven coloured ribbon wards any ailment caused by the Sun or eclipse. The silver brooches ward off planetary influences and the Peacock feather wards off paralysis..Bison Horn Maria capBison horn Maria is a Tribal community of Chattisgarh State of India that derives its name from its unique custom of wearing a distinctive head dress which resembles the horns of Bison. They generally wear that headdress during marriage dance or other ceremonies. The Bison horn-shaped headdress worn by them nowadays made of cattle horns because of the scarcity of Bison horns. These head dresses are placed on a frame of bamboo and decorated with feathers of Peacock or chicken and hanging cowry shell strings. Such a headdress is passed on from one generation to another..Naga hatThe Chang Naga warriors wear cane work helmets ornamented with hornbill tail feathers, goat or bear hair and two wild boar tusks. The chin strap is decorated with the ten claws of tiger’s two front paws that can only be worn by successful head hunters that Nagas used to be..Hornbill Warrior capHornbill is a very rare bird. The number of hornbill feathers used on the headgear is like medals of achievements. The Naga has to achieve success to claim the number of feathers used on his headgear..Himachali topiThe typical Kullu Cap from the Indian State of Himachal Pradesh, in shades of grey or brown and flat on the top is a striking headgear. A band of colourful woven fabric brightens the front and topi looks a rather neat set at a rakish angle..Gonda Ladakhi cap Ladakhi Cap is one of the traditional accessories of the costume of Ladakh. The Ladies wear ‘Gonda’ as a head dress. The ‘gonda’ is like a top hat but with the front brim cut away over the forehead. As a result, the protruding sides resemble elf like ear. The ‘gonda’ is usually covered with silk and brocade or velvet and is embroidered in silver or gold thread. Older men also the ‘gonda’,but theirs is relatively simple..Gujarat turbanIn Gujarat the turban is called Phento, which is basically a voluminous rolled Pagdi. The men in rural parts of Gujarat State of India usually wear the traditional thickly folded turban on their head. Bright Colours are generally chosen for the Phento which looks very attractive..Rajasthan turbanRajasthan is known for exhibiting wide diversity. One gets to see different styles of turbans from one city to another. In Rajasthan, the turban is known as Pagdi or Safa. The safas add a brilliant splash of colour and style to the barren desert. There are certain parts in Rajasthan where the size of the turban is evocative to the position and status of the person in society. The colour of the pagadi has its own significance. The ochre is the colour of the mendicant. Saffron is worn during weddings. In the past saffron also denoted valour and chivalry..Kashmiri Karakul capThe Kashmiri cap is also called Karakul cap. Wool form the Karakul breed of sheep is used in the manufacture of the cap. It can be seen in two shape -the collapsible boat shape and hard elliptical shape. A turban is more of a symbol of honour in Kashmir. The Karakul cap is now only worn by the Kashmiris at important occasions such as public speeches or their wedding.
