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Summary of Question:	Covering Head
Category:	Sikh Practices
Date Posted:	Monday, 5/16/2005 9:21 PM MDT

Sat Nam.

In recent weeks I've been feeling "under conviction" as some say, to begin to cover head when going out. I figure, if I must wear the kakkars just as a man does, I should therefore show respect to my Divine Creator by covering the hair, just as my husband does when he wraps his turban. I do not recall any thing which states that any part of rehit was for men only; and as the Sikh faith is supposed to be non-discriminatory, that I am equal and must do things equally.

Now, the question is HOW?

To wrap a turban would not be practical for my work, as I must wear a heavy headset (noise repellant). Wearing the chunnee would, as would a practice of my husband's, when he exercises or the weather is warm: he will cover the judaa only, with a rubber band and a handkerchief or one of my bandannas. (I have never learned if this is an acceptible or proper practice, but he is a practical man and says it's between him and God and the heck with those who don't like it.) I had quite a time explaining to my bosses that I desired to cover as both a religious and a feminist statement! What makes a correct covering, for the ladies who feel called to do so?

Blessed be,

Elizabeth

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Sat Nam, Elizabeth
I think that's great! If you feel so called, your bosses will just have to deal, eh? After all, freedom of religion is in the Constitution and part of most anti-discrimination in employment laws. Guess what else it does? People who know you will start to ask 'what do you believe?' and then they'll know more about Sikhi, which helps dispel myths about us.

Sounds to me you should do the patka wrap for work. Take a boy's patka to work with. If you can wear your jura on the top of your head (center or back a bit, not at the front like men!) then wrap a patka around it and tie it. You'll want to play around with it to get the hang of it. If your headset prevents the jura up top, then bun your hair at the BACK of your head and tie your patka. A lot of Sikh women do the patkas, not a turban, and then cover with a chuni. You can use a singular color, or get patkas to match your clothes/uniform. check out how boys in your Sikh community have their patkas tied, and maybe have one of their mothers help you figure it out. (I've never tied one!)
However, for feeling like a princess when you are NOT at work, try a turban. The wrap for women is different than for men, which is all I can say since it's a visual thing to learn, and every woman I know has a slightly different turban-wrapping style! guru ang sang
-DKK