Sikh men are supposed to cover their heads in public and never cut any hair. But women may cut their hair.?

Question

Women need to cover their heads only in Gurudwara or while praying or reading Gurugranth. Why these differences ? In fact other religions put more restrictions on women.

Answer 1

When Guru Gobind Singh introduced the Khalsa in 1699, he gave the identifying Panj Kakkar (5 K's, which includes keeping unshorn hair) to all Sikhs, including women. Both men and women are equally expected to maintain their hair and follow the practices of Sikhism - I don't believe men have more restrictions that women or vice versa.

Additionally, it is not simply required for keep our heads covered in public, but to wear the turban, which is an identifying symbol of the Sikhs. When this identity was given to us, women were not excluded from wearing turbans, but were encouraged to wear them. However, traditionally women do not wear them and wear the duputta instead when it is required to keep one's head covered. However, you will find that many American Sikh (ie. American converts to Sikhism) women wear turbans - though it seems contradictory, converts to Sikhism do seem to be more in touch with the true meaning of Sikhism than do Indian Sikhs in general.

The differences you note are not religious but traditional and social. Women are equally allowed and encouraged to wear a turban like men, but only a minority do so. However, as I mentioned, it is equally required for men and women to keep their hair unshorn - there is no difference there.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

Sikh Men Hair

Answer 3

What Sami says is right.Hindu, Buddhist, Jain,Sikh women are not supposed to cut their hair ,except before the age of 3 the hair of all toddlers (both boys and girls-but not Sikhs) use to be tonsured(totally shaven) in some Temple or Holy place,because it is one of the Sanskaram(religious upliftment) known as "Shouram" as a pre requisite for later "Upanayanam" (Initiation)-another Sanskaaram.But modern women of all Religions in India have progressive outlook and cut their hair short in many fashions.As Sami has rightly said a large number of Sikh boys also in recent years either totally cut their hair (Mona) or trim their hair to short lengths(a kind of "via-media").

Answer 4

Sikh men and women can not cut their hair. All sikhs have to cover their heads in public , men with turbans and women with their duppatta. But during modern times they are taking some consessions . Young sikh boys trim their beards and girls trim their hair.

Answer 5

they dont cut their hair in every part of their body where u need them to cut the most they have like a bush their and this is true about all sikh women

Answer 6

It's because the hair is supposed to contain strength. So, if the men cut their hair they supposedly wouldn't be as strong for battle. Obviously women in those days didn't fight so were allowed to cut their hair.

And about covering their heads, I think it is just because, seeing as the men don't cut their hair, it would just be a bit inconvenient to have a really long head of hair flapping around.

I guess it continues as tradition.

Hope that helped! x

Answer 7

I thought that women weren't allowed to cut their hair either...?

Answer 8

trust me men have alot of restricions,like men in Iraq are not allow to shave and are supposed to wear the turban at all times.

Answer 9

In india women have more rights than, oops ! men do !