Pioneering Turban Tying Competition for Young People Extremely Successful

Extremely Successful
Winner Children of youngest group
As part of the 300th Anniversary celebrations of the Guru-ship being conferred to the Sikh holy scripture Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Sahebzadey a pioneering Turban {Dastaar} Tying competition in this country was organised by the Punjabi Listeners’ Club, Leicester {UK} on saturday 27th December 2008 from 1.00 pm to 5.30 pm at Gurdwara Shri Guru HarKrishan sahib, 48 Kenilworth Drive, Oadby, Leicestershire, LE2 5LG, England was extremely successful in which nearly 100 young people ranging from 1 year to 18 years participated.

After registration the children were divided into Under 10 years’ and Over 10 years’ groups who were both shown “SUNDRI”- The Brave Kaur which is a ground breaking animated movie about Sikh women based on highly acclaimed historical novel ‘SUNDRI’ by the poet, scholar and exegete Bhai Vir Singh Ji who was honoured with the Brother of the Sikh Order very early in his career. This was also enjoyed by the parents and relatives of the younger children.

Before the competition began demonstrations were given on how to tie 3 different styles of turbans. Thereafter a local Amritdhari Sikh Kuljit Singh Ji gave an in-depth talk on the importance of the Turban in the Sikh religion which was very interesting, educational and informative and kept everyone wanting to know more.

The competition was divided into different age groups 8-10 years, 11-14 years, and 15 –18 years. Due to their young age the Under 7 years’ age group were allowed to have their Turbans tied by a family member. Three baptised Sikhs Jaspreet Kaur, Harinder Singh and Navdeep Kaur who presents a weekly programme on local satellite channel Matv were chosen as judges. The latter said that Mr. Tarlochan Singh Virk and the rest of his Punjabi Listeners’ Club team are to be congratulated for organising such a high level programme on the very important issue currently effecting the Sikh community that has given a massive encouragement to the young people.

In a special section ‘Have a go at Turban Tying, David Parsons, the Leader of Leicestershire County Council, Terry Hall of Leicester Mercury and Community Police Officer Nadeem from Leicestershire Constabulary had a turban tied on them by volunteers.

In the glittering presentation ceremony in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji a 12 year old Gavandeep Kaur Ji who attends the Punjabi classes at the Gurdwara read a letter from Buckingham Palace in which Her Majesty The Queen sent good wishes to all concerned for a successful and enjoyable competition and hope that the event will help to promote the wearing of the Sikh Turban.

Gurjeet Singh, an executive member of the Gurdwara Management Committee who managed the stage proceedings could not hide his delight in welcoming and introducing the two special guests the Mayor of Oadby and Wigston Borough Council Councillor Jill Gore who was accompanied by the Mayor’s Consort Colin Gore; the leader of Leicestershire County Council Mr. David Parsons who was accompanied by Mrs. Parsons.

The Mayor said she was very grateful to be at this place of worship and pointed out that she did not knew that there were so many different styles of Turbans worn by the Sikh community. She was also pleased to offer her full support in the Gurdwara’s planning application recently. The Mayor was pleasantly surprised to receive a cheque of donation from the congregation presented by Harjinder Singh for the Mayor’s charities Age Concern and Wish Upon A Star.

Speaking from the stage the Leader of Leicestershire County Council David Parsons said that he was very happy to be among the congregation and that it is great to see so many Sikhs together. he also commented that he was very happy to have had the Turban tied on him and he thanked those volunteers for that. He also said the Turban was very comfortable on his head.
















On behalf of the organisers Mr. Virk said that we are very grateful to www.emgonline.co.uk; Terry Hall of Leicester Mercury; F.C. Khalsa {Leicester} UK; Dr. Jagtar Dhiman of Punjabi Culture Study Circle International {PCSCI}, Ludhiana, Punjab, India; Shamsher Bahadur Singh Gill; Mangal Singh, Asli Sweet Centre; and above all the Sikhs of Leicester for their support; the guests for making this event a successful successful.