Mastering the art of tying turban this summer

Young children are signing up for new tuition classes — on how to tie turbans. The craze for tying turbans in different styles has surged, especially after Punjabi icon Diljit Dosanjh wore a turban at Coachella and, more recently, at the Met Gala. Turban-tying institutes in Ludhiana are packed with students and many are organising special one-month courses, ranging between Rs 3,000 and Rs 3,500, during the upcoming summer vacation.

“The trend of turban tying is definitely gaining popularity among the younger generation. Many look up to Diljit Dosanjh as their idol. He wears the turban with unmatched flair —ranging from neon hues to pastel shades, transforming this emblem of identity into a dynamic statement. It’s not just about wearing a turban; it’s about tying it in a distinct style that reflects both heritage and individuality,” says Narinder Singh, who runs a turban tying and training centre in Ludhiana.

He further explains that turbans are tied in various styles, including Wattan Wali Pagg, Patiala Shahi, Dumala and Puratan Nok Pagg. Some styles are symbolic of specific regions and their royal traditions. The latest trend which has caught the attention of the youngsters is the Turle Wali Pagg, which Diljit wore at Coachella. Youngsters are choosing this style for special occasions such as sangeet and mehndi functions, pairing it with traditional attire like a kurta and chadra.

Sukhwinder, who also runs a turban training centre, echoes similar views. “For a while, it seemed like many Punjabis were drifting away from the tradition of wearing turbans. But now, the trend is again catching up. As summer vacations are approaching near so there will be huge rush of students coming to learn the art of turban tying. I plan to run three batches a day — two in the morning and one in the evening. It is good to see that the children are reconnecting with their roots,” he said.

Sumer Sandhu, sharing his excitement to learn turban tying in the upcoming summer vacations, says that he has already enrolled for the class and would love to learn different styles of tying a turban. “Wearing a turban is mandatory in my school from Class VIII onwards. I already wear one to school, but I want to master the art and learn to tie it properly. I’m also excited to explore different styles,” he said.

Among the most popular styles in the region are the Patiala Shahi Pagg and the Ludhiana style. The Patiala Shahi style, popularised by the Maharaja of Patiala, features layers of cloth on both sides of the turban. The Ludhiana style typically has layers on only one side. According to Gursewak, who offers turban tying services for functions and events, these two styles remain favourites among today’s youth.

Ludhiana