Turban tying, ‘lambi gutt’ competitions mark Ludhiana Vet university youth festival

The ongoing youth festival at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) turned into a vibrant celebration of Punjabi culture and Sikh heritage as students showcased traditions that have long defined identity and pride in the region. Among the highlights were the turban-tying competition for boys and the ‘lambi gutt’ (longest braid) contest for girls — both deeply rooted in the Sikh reverence for kes (hair), considered sacred and integral to faith.

The turban-tying competition drew enthusiastic participation, with young men demonstrating skill, precision and creativity in draping the ‘dastar’. Each fold reflected not just artistry, but also the spiritual symbolism of the turban as a crown of dignity. The winner, Sehajpreet Singh Gill, from the College of Animal Biotechnology, expressed his joy: “Tying a turban is not just about style, it is about carrying forward our heritage. Winning this competition makes me feel proud to represent Sikh culture in front of my peers.”

Equally captivating was the ‘lambi gutt’ contest, where girls celebrated the beauty and strength of traditional braiding. Long hair, carefully nurtured, has always been a symbol of grace in Punjabi households. Ravjot Sharma from the College of Dairy and Food Science Technology, who won the event with her braid measuring 38 inches, shared: “Our hair is a gift, and braiding it is a way of honouring tradition. This competition reminded us that even small practices carry deep cultural meaning.”

The festival also revived fading folk traditions through ‘kavishri’, the powerful oral poetry of Punjab. Students’ spirited recitations, marked by rhythm and emotion, captivated audiences and underscored the importance of preserving oral story-telling. Adding colour and creativity, the mehndi competition saw girls go all out with their imagination on the palms of friends, weaving intricate designs that blended artistry with camaraderie.

Vice-Chancellor JPS Gill lauded the students’ enthusiasm: “These competitions beautifully reflect the cultural richness of Punjab. Our youth festival is not just an event, but a celebration of traditions, creativity and collective identity.”

Director, Students’ Welfare, RS Aulakh emphasized the role of such activities in connecting youth to their roots, while organising secretary SPS Ghuman praised the overwhelming response from participants.

The day at GADVASU was more than a festival as it was a reaffirmation of heritage. Through turban tying, braiding, poetry and mehndi competitions, students celebrated not only their skills, but also the timeless values of Sikh and Punjabi culture.