Dastar Bandi
In many families, when a boy reaches a certain age (usually eleven to sixteen), he is taken to a Gurudwaras and there, in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib and following Ardas, his first turban is ceremonially tied on by the Granthi or by a Sikh elder. This ceremony designates the respect with which the turban is regarded. The Turban is such a crucial article of faith that many Sikhs consider it to be more important that all the other Ks. Turbans may be of any color, and is tied in many different ways and styles.
Normally older people tend to wear white turbans thus reflecting their acquired wisdom. Saffron and deep blue are the colors of battle. In modern society, the color of the turban is irrelevant.The Dastaar Bandi is an initiation ceremony celebrating the "coming of age" of the sikh child. It can be performed at any age, but is most commonly done between the ages of 14 and 16. It is the first turban or dastaar that the child will wear and usually tied by sikh elders. Thereafter, the young sikh should wear the turban with pride on a regular basis. A very important and exciting event in the life of a Sikh boy comes when he starts tying the turban. Sometimes the family will have a special function to celebrate the occasion. It is called Dastar Bandi. He is seated in front of Guru Granth Sahib. An elder relation ties the turban on his head. The Granthi explains why he must keep long hair and wear a turban. Prayers are said to invoke Guru's blessing on the boy.When a Sikh boy reaches puberty (from 14 to 16 years old), an initiation ceremony called the Dastaar Bandi or wearing of the first turban, is held. He is allowed to join the Khalsa. He will incorporate the Five Ks in his everyday appearance (uncut hair, steel bracelet, wooden comb, cotton underwear and steel dagger).
During the ceremony, a special solution of sugar and water, known as Amrit, is prepared in an iron bowl while prayers are recited.
"When a person is aged between 14 and 16, an initiation ceremony called the Dastaar Bandi (wearing of the first turban) takes place. Young Sikhs are allowed to join the Khalsa. Khalsa Sikhs observe the Five Ks. A special solution of sugar and water, known as Amrit*, is prepared in an iron bowl whilst the five Banis (special prayers) are recited by five Sikhs in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib. During the ceremony the Amrit is blessed and sprinkled on the hair and eyes, a prayer is said and a meal is eaten together"
