Mysore Peta: The Classic Headgear’s Legacy Lives On

The embellished and colourful Mysore ‘peta’ draws its roots from the erstwhile emperors of Mysore, called Wodeyars.

Mysore peta is an indigenous headgear that was worn by Mysore’s kings.

(Photo Courtesy: Facebook/AccorHotels)

Made with colourful pieces of cotton scarfs bestrewn in silk and zari, the Mysore ‘peta’ (turban) is a classic headgear that draws its roots from the erstwhile emperors of Mysore, called Wodeyars.

The Petas embellished with metal pendants to add to its grandeur.

The legacy of this traditional headgear has been preserved till date. It is given to many celebrities and delegates as a mark of honor in Karnataka.

The traditional silk turban was offered to Dalai Lama during his visit to Mundgod in Karnataka.

Cricketers AB De Villiers, Shane Watson, and Chris Gayle wore Mysore petas while shaking a leg at an event in Bengaluru.

Many political bigwigs are also seen sporting the headgear during election rallies and other ceremonial events.

BJP president Amit Shah wearing a Mysore peta while addressing a gathering during his three-day visit to Karnataka.

Former President Pranab Mukherjee wearing a Mysore peta during the inauguration of Commonwealth Science Conference in Bengaluru. 

Bridegrooms in the southern parts of Karnataka adorn petas as a sign of respect during their weddings.

A vivid display of Mysore petas at a store in Bengaluru.

Specialists making new petas and also restoring old ones in Mysore.

The lineage and significance of these turbans was recently extended to convocation caps at universities. The Inter-University Board (IUB) of Karnataka ruled that students passing out of state universities will no longer have to stick to the conventional black caps during their proud moments. They have been given the option of wearing Mysore petas!

Students of the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) turn to Mysore petas during their graduation ceremony.

Administrators under the Mysore kings had a custom of wearing petas during proceedings at the durbar (royal court of the kings), since it was believed to be a token of power.

Chamarajendra Wodeyar wearing a well-decorated turban to match his royal dress.

A traditional attire for males is incomplete without Mysore petas.

A dance team of kids flaunting their Mysore petas before a traditional performance.

So much so that the headgear has been recognised as a symbol of the state’s culture across the country.

India Post recently released a stamp featuring the traditional Mysore peta.