Rumāl
A rumāl (Punjabi: ਰੁਮਾਲ) is a piece of clothing similar to a handkerchief or bandana. It is worn by men who cut their hair and other guests when they are in a gurdwara. Covering the head is respectful in Sikhism and if a man is not wearing a turban, then a rumāl must be worn before entering the gurdwara. Rumāls are also worn by Sikh children on their topknot called joora, and by Sikh males while engaging in athletic activities.[1]
In most gurdwaras, there is often a basket of rumāls outside for welcoming in more guests. If there are no rumāls supplied by the gurdwara then a clean and plain handkerchief is the most suitable cloth to use.
Outside the context of Sikhism, a rumāl is simply the Urdu, Hindi, Nepali and Bengali word for handkerchief, and will be understood as such. Its association with Sikhism is not implied.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Briefing paper on Sikh appearance and identity" (PDF). Redbridge Council. Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE). 2015. Retrieved 6 June 2025.
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