THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
Leicester- Turban tying competition for girls and boys aged 7-18 years is being organised at guru Nanak Gurdwara, 9 Holy Bones. Leicester, LE1 4LJ on Sunday 11 January 2026 from 11.00 am to 12.30 pm and a Colouring Competition for those under 7 years of age. From 1-3 pm a Kavi Darbar is being organised in the main prayer of the Gurdwara.
Prominent members of the local Sikh and Punjabi community will speak about the life and teachings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Letters from India from a University Pro Vice Chancellor and an Editor of Punjabi/English newspaper will be read to the congregation.
The turban known as the Dastar, is an essential and respected part of Sikh identity. for Sikhs, the turban is not simply a piece of clothing – it is a symbol of honour, equality, responsibility, and commitment to justice. The tradition of wearing the turban was firmly established by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 when the Khalsa was created. at a time when turbans were only worn by royalty and the elite, Sikhs were instructed to wear the turban to show that all humans are equal and deserving of dignity and respect.
Entries are welcome 7-10 years, 11-14 years, 15-18 years for which proof of age must be provided. Colouring Competition is organised for children under seven years old.
Winner, Runners-Up, 3rd Prize trophy will be given for each age group for boys and girls. Each participant will be given a medallion or a trophy. Special trophies will be given to those who wear Dumala style turban.
The turban reminds Sikhs to live with dignity and moral discipline. It rejects caste, class, and status – all Sikhs stand equal. wearing the turban means standing up for the truth, protecting the volunrable, and acting with integrity. The turban protects and honours the uncut hair {Kesh} one of the five articles of faith given to Sikhs. It is a visible decleration of faith, encouraging Sikhs to live honestly and truthfully.
Stage secretary and media representative of Punjabi Listeners Club Jaspal singh Kang pointed out that we are delighted that prominent members of the local Sikh and Punjabi community and Poets and Authors from East and West Midlands are taking part in the Kavi Darbar which will start with Shabad Kirtan by Singhni Mansukhpreet Kaur Khalsa.
Turban tying is a skill passed from generation to generation, teaching patience, discipline and pride in Sikh heritage. by learning to tie a turban, children connect with their faith, history and values, and develop confidence in who they are. The turban Tying competition celebrates identity, culture, and values, encouraging young Sikhs to wear their turban with pride, responsibility and humility.
One of the organisers of the celebrations, Tarlochan Singh Virk Co-Ordinator of Punjabi Listeners Club said that we are grateful to Guru Nanak Gurdwara Management Committee for all their assistance and are looking forward to Turban Tying Competition and those taking part in the Kavi Darbar in honour of Sarbansdani- which means one who sacrificed his mother, father and four sons for the Sikh religion, Guru Gobind Singh Ji Gurpurb.
