- Rumāl
A Rumāl (Punjabi: ਰੁਮਾਲ) is a piece of clothing similar to a
handkerchief orbandana . It is worn bySikh men who cut their hair and other male guests when they are in aGurdwara . Covering the head is respectful inSikhism and if a man is not wearing aturban , then a rumāl must be worn before entering the Gurdwara.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.
Rumāl for Non-Sikhs
Outside the context of Sikhism, a rumāl is simply the
Hindi word for handkerchief, and will be understood as such. Its association with Sikhism is not implied.Rumaal Weapon
It was used by the
Thugee s in India as a method of strangulation. A coin was placed in the scarf, and it could be swung around the neck of the victim, to kill the other person by means of agarrotte .
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