Rajasthani Safas turning integral to Indian weddings

Rajasthans colourful Safas or the piece of cloth used for turbans, are today a synonym of Rajasthani culture. They are steadily becoming a quintessential part of Indian weddings, irrespective of place.

By Lokendra Singh

Jaipur, Nov.30 : Rajasthan's colourful Safas or the piece of cloth used for turbans, are today a synonym of Rajasthani culture. They are steadily becoming a quintessential part of Indian weddings, irrespective of place.

Thanks to media attention on the Rajasthani turbans', it is today a craze to wear Rajasthani turbans on the wedding day.

Wedding season is on and the Jaipur's safa manufactures are having a hectic time meeting the increasing demand while enjoying a brisk sale.

"The sale is very high this time. And workload has also increased. We hardly get time to eat food. We come here early morning and stay her till late night till 12 o'clock and sometimes work for entire night. It takes a lot of time," says Kishan Kumar, a turban maker.

One such safa-maker is 26-year-old Kishan Kumar in Jaipur's Badi Cahupar Market who is compelled to spend 16 hours these days to meet the huge demand of Rajasthan safa.

Earlier, only the bridegroom used to wear a turban. But, today, various close relatives have also started wearing turbans while attending a wedding. This has led to a surge in demand for turbans.

Different types of turbans are used for different occasions. On wedding occasions, particularly, multi-coloured turbans are worn by men symbolising closeness to the bridegroom.

"We feel very nice after wearing turban. We feel that we are very close to the groom. It gives a different impression to the viewers; as they think that we are someone really special to the groom and we are here to have a bash with him on his wedding," says Lalit, brother of a groom.

"The best thing about a wedding is wearing a turban. Badi Chahupar, market in Jaipur in is famous for its turbans. Although turbans have become very costly now but one gets married only once in a lifetime so it doesn't matter much," says Roshan, a bridegroom.

For most of the people, the Rajasthani Safas are a joy wearing them on the wedding occasion. But for the people in Rajasthan it is symbol of prestige that they carry on their head with tremendous pride.

Over 1,000 shops deal in wedding turbans in Jaipur with each shop selling around 1,000 to 1,500 marriage turbans during the wedding season.

There are around 200 expert artisans involved in the art of turban making. The price range for turban begins with rupees 100 and may cost up to rupees 5,100.

Safas' grace reflects how locals have treasured its elegance as turbans while influencing people beyond their State.

ANI