Tauranga’s Turban Day this weekend is an opportunity to try on a turban and meet members of the city’s Sikh community.

From 11am to 3pm on Saturday, October 5, Jordan Field at Memorial Park will be transformed into a cultural hub, where people can experience the rich traditions of Sikhism.

“This is about bringing our community together to enjoy delicious free food, learn the art of tying a turban, and try one on for yourself,” said Gurudwara Sikh Sangat Tauranga president Puran Singh.

Turban Day offers a unique opportunity to explore the significance of the dastar, or turban, which holds deep meaning in Sikh culture.

Participants can choose from a dazzling array of five-metre turbans in various colours, with experts available to demonstrate how to tie them. It typically takes five to 10 minutes to tie a turban.

“The turban sets us apart,” said Singh. “In Sikh culture, we’re taught to support those in need, embody kindness and uphold strong moral values. When you see a turban, you know it represents these principles.”

The Sikh community in New Zealand seeks to foster understanding and appreciation of its culture. Turban Day aims to educate people about Sikhism’s core belief in equality.

The tradition began in New York as a grassroots effort to share the beauty of wearing a turban. It quickly gained popularity, culminating in a world record in 2018 when more than 9000 turbans were tied in the city’s Times Square.

Since then, it has become a celebrated annual event in many countries, including Auckland since 2016. This is the fourth time it will be held in Tauranga, with the tradition starting here in 2018.

Wearing a turban is part of religious observance for Sikhs, whose five articles of faith include uncut hair (kesh), which is regarded as a gift from God.

The others are a wooden comb (kanga), an iron bracelet (kara), a cotton undergarment (kachera) and a small curved sword or knife (kirpan). Each item symbolises a fundamental aspect of Sikh belief, reinforcing a commitment to the faith.

Young Sikhs in Tauranga wear their turbans proudly and Turban Day presents a chance for the public to engage with and learn from the community.

The event will also feature free, freshly cooked vegetarian meals prepared at the local Gurdwara in Burrows St, as part of the Sikh tradition of langar, or sharing meals.

“We cherish sharing food with others, and we want to keep this aspect of our culture alive,” said Singh. “While we usually have free meals at the temple, we’re excited to bring it to the park.”

Supported by Tauranga City Council and Welcoming Communities, Turban Day promises an event with cultural performances, rich conversations and an open invitation to all.

“Everyone is welcome to come and try on a turban,” said Singh.