Headgears of India

Headgears or turbans are mostly worn in India to signify social and community values. In few of the communities it is considered as sign of valour and to secure its pride and honour is seen as an act of bravery. Department of Posts is bringing 16 stamps on Headgears of different parts of the country to celebrate the invaluable cultural value of the turbans, caps and hats in this nation. It is looked upon as an object of identity and worn with great honour and pride.

Haryanvi Turban: Haryanvi Turban is called as Khundka in Haryanvi language and is a part of traditional dress in Haryana. Khundka is a cloth of over 10 feet draped in specific way. It is mostly seen in Haryanvi cultural dance and other important ceremonies.

Hornbill Warrior Cap: Hornbill is a very rare bird. The number of hornbill feathers used on the Head Gears is like medals of achievements. The Naga has to achieve success to claim the number of feathers used on his Headgear.

Gujarati Turban: In Gujarat, the turban is called Phento, which is basically a large and loosely folded turban. The men in the rural parts of the State usually wear the traditional thickly folded turban on their head along with white cotton dress called Chorno. Bright colours are generally chosen for the Phento which gives it a attractive look.

Bison Horn Maria Tribe Cap: Bison Horn Maria is one of the ancient tribal groups of Central India. This tribal community of Chhattisgarh derived their name from their unique custom of wearing decorative headdress, which resembles the horns of bison. They generally wear the headdress for dance during marriage or other ceremonies. The headdress is nowadays made of cattle horns because of the scarcity of bison horns. This basically has a frame of bamboo and is decorated with feathers of peacock or chicken and hanging cowry shell strings. The Bison Horn headgear is generally passed on from one generation to another.

Rajasthani Turban: Rajasthan 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. There are certain parts in Rajasthan, where the size of turban is evocative to the position and status of the person in society.

Himachali Cap: The typical Kullu cap in shades of grey or brown and flat on the top, is a striking headgear. A band of colorful woven fabric brightens the front and the top looks rather neat at a rakish angle.

Angami Tribe Cap: Angami Naga men wear a giant structure made of bamboo strips and cords of white cotton, topped with hornbill feathers. In the old days warriors had to prove their valour to wear the headgear.

Japi Cap: The japi or japi cap is a traditional conical hat from Assam. It is composed of closely knit cane stuff that is beautifully painted with the “japs” of the leaves of the “tokou”- a palm tree. The Japi is mainly used not only a cover for the head, but as ceremonial or cultural attire, plain japi were used by ordinary Indians for protection from the sun as well. More japi were worn as a status symbol by Assamese royalty and nobility. It serves not only as utility headgear as protection against the elements, it’s offered as a sign of respect in ceremonies, and placed as a decorative item around the house, especially when offered as a welcoming sign.

Puneeri Turban: The origin of the Puneri pagdi, which is considered a symbol of pride and honour of Puneites and widely known is the 1890s when activists ‘Kostis’ took the initiative of using the headgear as part of their non-co operation movement. In the course of over 17 fortnightly visits, The Puneri pagdi, a symbol of honour, used in the pagadi has changed over the years and now it is also used on important social events. To protect the identity of the pagadi, there were demands from the locals to grant it a Geographical Indication (GI) status. The demand was fulfilled and the Puneeri became an Intellectual Property on 4 September 2009.

Naga Hat: Chota Naga warriors wore plaited cane work helmets ornamented with hornbill tail feathers, goat or bear hair and two wild boar tusks. The chin strap is decorated with the claws of a tiger’s two front paws and can only be worn by a successful head-hunter after the Naga’s used to be.

Mysore Peta: The Mysore turban is called the Peta and it named with reference to Wodeyar king of Mysore who wore the Peta. In the districts of Kodagu and Mysore, turban is considered to be a source of pride. Presenting the Mysore Peta is a symbol of honouring and respecting the recipient. This indicates the significance people have attached to the turban. In the district of Kodagu, men wear their ethnic dress with a turban on the celebration of special occasions.

Sikh Turban (Dastar): In the Sikh religion, the turban is known as dastar, and carries a lot of reverence and significance. Dastar is an important part of the unique Sikh identity. It is worn to cover the long, uncut hair that is one of the five outwardly symbols of the Khalsa Sikh faith.

Kashmiri (Karakul) Cap: The Kashmiri cap is also called “karakul cap”. It can be seen in two shapes – the collapsible boat shape and hard elliptical shaped. A turban is more of a symbol of honour in Kashmir. The most religious shrine of Kashmir, the priests wear turbans. In rural Kashmir, pagdi is now only worn by the Kashmiris at important occasions.

Mithila Turban: The Paag is a headgear hailing 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.

Tepi (Broka or Drokpa Tribe): A Brokpa tribal is identified by a colorful headgear called Tepi that has silver base embellished with fresh and dried colourful flowers from the mountains and various colorful spots. In the high altitudes of Ladakh, beyond the usual tourist spots like the Pangong Lake, majestic hills or the monasteries, there survives a tribe believed to be one of the oldest tribes known as Brokpa or Drokpa. The Tepi is also an instrument that wards evil eye. The women wear heavy metal, gold and silver jewellery along with full length shoeskin capes and sheep wool apron. Old metal coins are part of the accessory. The men mostly wear maroon gowns with cummerbunds.

Goncha – Ladakhi Cap: Goncha is one of the traditional accessories of the costume of Ladakh, worn by women. The goncha is like a top hat but with round brim that can ward off the weather. The goncha is usually covered with silk and brocade or velvet and is embroidered in silver or gold thread. Older men also wore the goncha but there is relatively plain.