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 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.
Many political bigwigs are also seen sporting the headgear during election rallies and other ceremonial events.
Bridegrooms in the southern parts of Karnataka adorn petas as a sign of respect during their weddings.
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!
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.
A traditional attire for males is incomplete without Mysore petas.
So much so that the headgear has been recognised as a symbol of the state’s culture across the country.
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