Almost every city or state or region has its own typical culture, language, climate and even dress. Mysore is known for many things and the head gear called "peta" - a turban in other words - is worn in typical style, synonymous with Mysore. Though that tradition got diluted with development of the city, it still lingers on, but restricted to weddings [where the bridegroom - Hindu - wears it], and political functions [where they make a show of it - personally I dislike this part]. Decades back, it was part of the dress code esp. for the higher officers, during the British Raj and also when the Kings reigned Mysore. My forefathers wore them. My grandfather wore it to court [lawyer]. My great grandfather's time had that compulsory rule and he was a highly placed officer. What is this 'peta'? It is a long piece of cloth, about a foot wide, wound round the head in a particular fashion that is "Mysore Style". Let me start this thread with a picture of the last Mysore King in his royal dress. In fact, this picture was being given to the public as that studio's photographers were engaged by the royal family for most things. They patronized it. That is also where most of my younger days' pictures were taken - they were days when cameras were not owned by all and it was not easy to own one too!
