The physical appearance of Kaurs isn't as clear-cut. Some keep their hair, while others don't.
Sikh men, also referred to as Singhs, generally have a simple physical identity: they either keep their beard (daari) and wear a turban (dastar), or they don't. There are variations, like wearing a turban without keeping hair or vice versa, but the Sikh male’s appearance is typically consistent.
In contrast, the physical appearance of Kaurs isn't as clear-cut. Some keep their hair, while others don't. Head coverings vary among Kaurs, including turbans, patkas, or chunis, while some don't cover their heads at all. Some Kaurs experiment with different hairstyles, while others stick to one.
Presently, there isn't a shared idea within Sikhism of how a Kaur should look. This raises the question: Do Kaurs collectively face uncertainty about their physical identity?
What is a physical identity?
Identity is like a label that tells people who you are and what group you belong to. It can be based on things like rules, traits, or how you act. For example, being Sikh means belonging to a group with its own beliefs and values. Sikhs feel proud of their identity, finding honour and dignity in it.
In simpler terms, a "Sikh" is someone who follows certain rules and beliefs:
- Membership Rules: Sikhs follow the Rehat Maryada.
- Unique Physical Attributes: They have certain physical symbols, like the 5 Ks and the dastar (turban).
- Beliefs: Sikhs believe in the Guru Granth and Guru Panth.
- Behavior: They live their lives according to principles like "naam japna" (meditating on God's name), "vand chakna" (sharing with others), and "kirt karni" (earning an honest living).
For Sikhs, their appearance isn't just about looks. It connects them to their values and identity. Wearing specific clothing and symbols serves as a reminder of their commitment to their faith and their respect for the Sikh Gurus.
Identity Politics
The debate about who belongs to a social group and who doesn't is called "identity politics." It's about deciding if someone fits into a certain group. For instance, identifying a man as Sikh because he wears a dastar and has a beard seems clear. But when it comes to women, like a Kaur, it's not so simple. People wonder, "What makes her a Sikh? Is it her long hair? Does she have to cover it with a dastar?"
There's disagreement about how a Kaur should look. Some Sikh women wear turbans, while others keep their hair in buns or braids. This diversity makes it harder to easily identify them. Whether discussed privately or openly, the physical appearance of a Kaur is a subject of identity politics.
What does a Kaur look like?
When it comes to how people see themselves, they notice things about their bodies that make them different from others. For example, someone might be known as a "Sikh" or a "Singh" because of their beard, turban, and the five Ks they wear. But for a "Kaur," it's not as clear. Their appearance changes often, so it's hard to say what makes them look like a "Kaur." Unlike "Singhs," who have a clear look, "Kaurs" don't have one defining appearance. Some might wear the five Ks, but they're not as noticeable as for men. Others might have long hair, wear a chuni, a dastar, or a braid. With so many different looks, it's tough to say what a "Kaur" looks like. Because of this, it's hard to say if all "Kaurs" look alike.
Consider the challenge faced by Sikh organizations when it comes to representing the Kaur in their visual materials. They often feature images of Sikh men on their brochures but hesitate when it comes to representing Sikh women. Questions arise among the team: Does depicting a Kaur wearing a dastar, or turban, adequately represent all Sikh women? What about those who wear chunis or jooras, different head coverings?
This issue of Kaur representation extends beyond just the marketing department. Many Kaurs grapple with their place in the broader world, both within the Sikh community and outside it. Without a clear sense of identity, some feel caught between different communities, not fully belonging to any one group. In their quest to find belonging, some Kaurs experiment with different physical appearances and explore various aspects of their identity.
Identity and Fitting into Community:
When a Kaur discovers or shapes herself, she finds connection within a community. This process helps her develop as a unique individual with her own physical appearance, personality, and beliefs. These traits influence and are influenced by her roles, jobs, relationships, and values. She becomes distinct yet also becomes part of a larger community, like the Sikh panth, which shares a collective awareness shaped by Sikh teachings and practices, including physical appearance (bana).
However, if Sikh women go through this process and end up with vastly different physical appearances without coherence or consistency, do they truly integrate into the community? Does this lack of unity among Kaurs suggest a failure in creating a gender-neutral collective identity within the Sikh community? Has there been a failure in allowing Kaurs to represent Sikh values through their appearance? Has the community failed to foster a sense of belonging among Kaurs? Does their varied appearance hinder their connection with other Sikhs?
Overall, the lack of a unified understanding of the Kaur's physical identity leads to uncertainty, disinterest, and misunderstanding within the community.
At the core, in Sikhi, individuals are encouraged to think independently. Therefore, Kaurs should have the freedom to choose what suits them best. It's important to recognize that there isn't just one single identity for Sikh females. Instead, there exists a diverse range of visual identities, each celebrating the uniqueness of every individual. In Sikhi, the focus is on the spiritual journey, rather than physical appearance. Diversity among Kaurs not only fosters dialogue but also enriches social interactions.
The varying physical appearances of Kaurs reflect Sikhi's adaptability and timeless essence. Each face represents a different interpretation of Sikhi, all of which are considered beautiful manifestations of hukam. These visual differences spark meaningful conversations about bana, saroop, and identity. Through these discussions, Kaurs' diverse interpretations of identity contribute to a more vibrant social fabric. Ultimately, Kaur diversity celebrates the different paths individuals take to reach the same goal.
It's crucial to allow Kaurs to express their true selves and reflect their personalities through their physical image. Imposing a specific identity on them restricts their freedom and authenticity. However, some may argue that focusing on outward appearance may be secondary to infusing oneself with gurbani. According to this perspective, the Guru will guide the Kaur on her path, rendering discussions about physical appearance meaningless.
Conclusion: Why is it important to have an identity?
Our physical appearance influences how people see us, affects our self-esteem, and reflects our beliefs and principles. It's also tied to our inner sense of self. Studies show that those who embrace a clear identity tend to be happier and healthier compared to those who haven't found their identity yet. People who feel uncertain about who they are often struggle to fit in and lack a strong sense of purpose in life. So, it seems like the key is to pick an identity, stick with it, and find more happiness and belonging along the way.
*Based on an article by Lakhpreet, published in kaurthoughts.wordpress.com on 11th September 2013