Pag, Peg, and Pug: The Holy Trinity
In Punjab, where the air is thick with the scent of mustard fields and the echoes of "Sat Sri Akal," there exists a unique breed of gentlemen who carry the distinct characteristics of "Pag, Peg, and Pug" with flair, energy, and a touch of humour. These three elements define not just their style, but their spirit. Let me introduce you to the essence of these fine, spirited lads, popularly referred to as Kaka ji’s in the Malwa region.
The Pag:
Ah, the Pag! Not just any ordinary headgear, but the very crown of the Sikh gentleman. This is where tradition meets sartorial excellence. The turban is not a mere piece of cloth; it's a symbol of honour, a statement of pride, and let’s be honest, a match-making accessory to the wardrobe. One has to admire the expertise required to tie the perfect turban—it's an art form. Whether it’s the regal shades of navy, the bright hues of saffron, or a cheeky neon green for the adventurous few, the turban reflects a man’s personality and perhaps his mood for the day.
Size matters, they say, and with turbans, it certainly does! A true Singh doesn’t just throw on a few metres; he wraps up a philosophy. The finesse of folding those 7 metres with precision is akin to a man sculpting his own crown—because Singh is King, after all. You might see them at a wedding, their turban elegantly matching their sherwani, or on a casual Sunday, paired with a kurta-pyjama that could give any Bollywood hero a run for his money. Matching game strong, but don’t forget—it’s a headgear of honour, carried with dignity, even when paired with aviators for that extra swag.
The Peg:
Now, let’s move to the Peg—where elegance meets enthusiasm. Here, we have two eternal camps: the Single Malt Connoisseurs versus the Blended Scotch Enthusiasts. Both equally dedicated, but oh, the debates they spark! The Patiala Peg—well, that’s a story unto itself. Twice the size of a regular drink, it’s not just a measurement but a declaration of generosity, of a life lived large. In fact, many claim that the Patiala Peg was invented because a mere shot seemed, well, insufficient. And in Punjab, insufficiency is a crime!
The Single Malt Club tends to look down their noses—albeit affectionately—at the Blended Scotch crowd. But, at the end of the day, whether it’s a Blue Label or a Glenlivet, neat or with a splash of soda, what truly matters is the shared laughter, the hearty discussions, and the stories swapped over that generous pour. After all, it's not the drink but the company that lifts spirits!
And then, of course, there are the daredevils—the ones who order it neat. No water, no soda, no nonsense. They are the James Bonds of the Punjabi world, and their choice in drinks is a reflection of their no-nonsense, larger-than-life attitude. They sip, they smile, they conquer.
The Pug:
Finally, we have the Pug, not the adorable little dog, but the pug marks—footprints left by a wild creature. Our energetic Sikh gentleman may have inherited hunting instincts from ancestors who once stalked deer or partridges, but today, their quarry is more photographic. With a love for the outdoors and a keen eye for adventure, they traverse jungles, off-roading in SUVs that could climb a mountain if asked. It’s not just about catching a glimpse of the elusive tiger or leopard, but about the thrill of the chase, the journey through nature.
Wildlife expeditions are where the Singh meets his primal side. In fact, give him a camera and an opportunity to trek through the wilderness, and you’ll see him transform from the suave city-dweller into a rugged adventurer, following pug marks with the focus of a seasoned ranger. The beauty is, while they don’t hunt anymore (much to the relief of the deer population), their love for nature endures.
The Complete Gentleman:
Before you get the wrong impression, don’t think for a moment that this Pag-Peg-Pug combo means these gentlemen are only about style, leisure, and wild pursuits. No, no—these are individuals deeply committed to their careers, professions, and businesses. Whether running multi-million-dollar enterprises, leading teams with precision, or dedicating themselves to public service, they are achievers through and through.
On weekends, you'll find them in the Gurudwara, dressed in traditional attire—kurta pyjamas or a Pathani suit. Their turbans might now lean toward a saffron shade, symbolising devotion, but their spirit remains youthful. They're fluent in Punjabi and English, but may fumble adorably when speaking Hindi. Yet, beneath this veneer of sophistication and humour lies a heart of gold—humble, grounded, and generous to a fault.
In the end, the Sikh gentleman—be he in the wilds, at a party, or in a place of worship—is a complete package. The Pag, Peg, and Pug may define different facets of his personality, but together they create a picture of a man who values tradition, knows how to live life king-size, and yet remains deeply connected to his roots. And if you’re lucky enough to know him well, you’ll see he’s a true gem at heart.
Beginning with my first teacher , my mentor , best friend and first glance when my heart left me to remain in someone else ‘s keeping and lastly countless acquisitions of friends were Sikhs. They all symbolize and embrace life with unwavering sense of identity ,dignity and passion.
Much thankful and grateful to almighty waheguru!
………all this with the divine blessings of His Mighty Waheguru Ji 🙏🙏🙏🙏