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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.

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Rumāl for Non-Sikhs

Rumaal Weapon

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.

Rumaal Weapon

It was used by the Thugees in India as a method of strangulation. A coin was placed in the scarf, and it could be swung around the neck of the victim, to kill the other person by means of a garrotte.