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The Norwegian Turban Day
- World’s largest heart formed by volunteers with turban
On 11 April, we are inviting entire Norway to feel, smell and try a turban,
which they get to take home with them. With several thousand people attending
from all over Norway, all dressed in turban, gives us the opportunity to
create the world’s first heart formed with turbaned people – this is how
we symbolize what the turban stands for: love.
11. April, Oslo City Hall Square (Rådhusplassen)
On behalf of the approximately five thousand Sikhs in Norway, the Sikh youth,
known as “Unge Sikher”, is organizing the Norwegian Turban Day for the
sixth consecutive year. This event has been organized and celebrated since
2010. Over the period of six years, more than seven thousand Norwegians have
received turbans from the Sikh community.
 The Sikhs always keep their hair unshorn, and wear a turban. In recent years
we have witnessed an increased polarization in the public debate, which has
been tainted with prejudices. Unfortunately, it is more challenging to stand
out – especially with a turban and beard. Our aim with the Turban Day is to
change the negative perception of the turban and beard, and generally the
attitude towards otherness in Norway. Therefore, we are launching the turban
as a symbol of solidarity, equality and freedom of religion – love for
humanity.
Instead of inviting people to come to our premises, we bring our turbans to
Rådhusplassen and face the society on their own terms.
We want to make Norway the best country to be different in – by reducing
people’s xenophobia. We believe that by embracing otherness, Norway is a
richer country. Turban Day has evolved into an international phenomenon: We
have witnessed that Sikhs in other countries have adopted our concept. In
spite of the fact that there are more Sikhs elsewhere, our Turban Day
initiative has inspired others – precisely because we have managed to
convert something “scary” into something positive and unifying.
Volunteer spirit
It requires a whole year’s effort to collect material for two thousand
turbans. The material is not systematically imported but collected through
contributions from each individual, who bring extra turbans every time they
visit India. There are more than one hundred and fifty volunteers at the
site, who serve Indian meals, provide entertainment, take pictures of the
visitors and etc. – for free. Volunteering is an important part of the life
of a Sikh. Therefore, this event is accomplished through 100% voluntary work,
without the government’s financial support. This is our humble contribution
in making Norway even more open towards otherness.
World’s largest heart
We are forming world’s largest heart at the Oslo City Hall Square by
turbaned people. The turban symbolizes love for humanity, selflessness, and
compassion. With this colorful heart we want to spread the message of love
and embrace otherness in Norway. As far as we know, this is the first time
anyone as attempt to create a heart with colorful turbans.
Contact information
Sumeet Singh
Mobile: +47 938 42 528 +47 938 42 528
E-mail: [email protected] // [email protected]
Web: www.turbandagen.no | 