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Summary of Question:	As An Orthodox Sikh Can I Cover My Patka With A Cap/Other Helemet
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Tuesday, 12/19/2006 5:43 AM MST

<<<<< REPLY >>>>>

Yes, if you must. In Dhillen (1999), a tribunal determined that a Sikh motorist wearing a turban should be allowed to take a test for a motorcycle license, because the potential risk incurred by not wearing a helmet affected only his own safety. It is always better to let your dastaar be your protection, but in some cases (such as workplace safety legal requirements) you can wear a helmet over your patka. In fact, I found a good picture of a Sikh Helmet from the early 1800's that is shaped in the form of a turban. It is decorated in gold inlay (koftgari) with a hood of chain mail.

.....G