An Australian travel vlogger’s cultural exchange in Punjab has caught the attention of the internet—not only for wearing a Sikh turban but for the emotional moment with a local shopkeeper who had a heartwarming message about its meaning.
Vlogger tries Turban
In the video, 24-year-old social media influencer Luke Damant is spotted walking down a street in Punjab when he goes up to a young man and enquires about purchasing a turban similar to one he had been eyeing. A resident sends him to the local shop nearby, where Damant is offered several colored cloths to choose from.
He chooses a blue turban, and the shopkeeper courteously proposes to wrap it around his head for him. During the process, Damant makes light of asking if turbans are just men’s clothing, to which the shopkeeper replies that they can be worn by women who are Sikh.
Shopkeeper’s Loud Message
What most registered with viewers, however, was the shopkeeper’s gracious yet forceful reminder regarding the significance of the turban.
“Turban on, no drinking, no smoking, strictly,” he narrates in the video.
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Damant agrees and respectfully follows the advice. He captions the video “$5 turban in India” and thanks the shopkeeper for his time before paying him.
Social Media Reaction
The video has accumulated more than a million views, with netizens showering the shopkeeper with praise for sticking to Sikh customs and trying to teach others.
One of the viewers said, “Good shopkeeper, he also advised what to do and what not wearing turban.”
Another contributed, “Respect to the person who wrapped the dastar (turban) and told you not to drink or smoke when you have a turban on head. People look at those who have a turban with respect so we have to maintain it that way.”
A third user complimented the shopkeeper, remarking, “Shopkeeper himself is not Sikh but he actually knows what shikhi is and understands the respect for turban. Respect for that man.”
