Although no one knows exactly when or where the dastar originated, Sikhs around the world wear a dastar - or turban - as an article of faith, symbolizing the values of discipline, honesty, integrity, ethics, spirituality and humility. This past week, for the 10th straight year, the largest turban-tying competition in Canada was held in Surrey. Globe and Mail staff photographer John Lehmann documented the young Sikhs as they wrestled with metres of material to produce the perfect turban. The event began as a way to combat racism and discrimination after the Sept. 11 attacks in the United States, when some turban-wearing individuals became victims of assault by those who associated turbans with terrorists. The contest has now become a popular community event, drawing several thousand people every year.