What is Bana?

“Bana” is the distinctive style of clothing worn by those committed to the Sikh path. Bana is the outward projection of a Sikh. It includes uncut hair and beards, the turban, and for many on the Sikh Dharma path, the wearing of modest white clothing. Sikhs believe that wearing bana is a reminder to act consciously, because when you stand out and look regal, your behavior must match up to your appearance.

Bana is the clothing that identifies Sikhs. It is a ‘unified form.’ The bana given to the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru, identifies Sikhs in spiritual and temporal form as unified beings – divinely unique and gracefully powerful.

Bana includes:

  • Kurta: loose-fitting tunic
  • Churidar: pants that are loose-fitting around the thighs and buttocks, and tight around the ankles
  • Cummerbund: a cloth wrapped around the mid-torso region to maintain mild pressure on the solar plexus and internal organs
  • Turban: a cotton cloth wrapped around ‘kesh’ or long, uncut hair

~Resources: Heroes, Saints and Yogis (2012) by Shakti Parwha Kaur Khalsa and Guruka Singh Khalsa and Living Reality (1994) by Bibiji Inderjit Kaur Khalsa.