Rumāl
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A Rumāl (Punjabi: ਰੁਮਾਲ) is a piece of clothing similar to a handkerchief or bandana. It is worn by Sikh men who cut their hair and other male guests when they are in a Gurdwara. Covering the head is respectful in Sikhism and if a man is not wearing a turban, 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.
[edit] 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.
[edit] Rumaal Weapon
It was used by the Thugees in India as a mehtod of strangulation. A coin was placed in the scarf, and it could be swung around the kneck of the victim, to kill the other person by means of a garrotte.
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