Patka
Square cotton head covering worn by Sikh men and boys.
The patka is a square piece of cotton with four strings used as a head covering in the Sikh faith. It serves as an alternative to the full turban for young boys and athletes who need stability during sport.
- Made from a square cotton piece with four tying strings.
- Commonly worn by Sikh sportsmen for stability.
- FIBA lifted its ban on patkas in 2017.
- Hair is tied in a bun at the back for sports.
What it is
A patka is a square piece of cotton fabric designed to cover the head. It typically features four strings, with one attached to each corner, which are used to tie the cloth securely. This item acts as a substitute for the full Sikh turban. It is most often seen on young Sikh boys and men who participate in sports. The design allows for a compact fit that stays in place during physical activity.
Where it comes from
The patka has long been part of Sikh dress as a simpler alternative to the dastar. Its visibility increased in international sports when players like cricketers Monty Panesar and Harbhajan Singh wore it. In 2014, a dispute arose when FIBA banned two Indian basketball players from wearing patkas during the Asia Cup. The governing body lifted this ban in 2017. Issues persisted in other sports, such as wrestling, where rules about hair tying caused conflict in 2018.
What it means
This head covering holds religious significance for Sikhs who maintain uncut hair. It allows adherents to keep their hair covered and tidy while engaging in vigorous exercise. For many athletes, it represents a balance between faith obligations and sporting regulations. Disputes over its use in competitions highlight ongoing discussions about accommodating religious attire in global sports bodies.
How it is made
To wear a patka, the square cotton cloth is placed over the head. The hair is usually gathered into a bun at the back rather than the top knot known as a joora. The four strings are then tied firmly to secure the fabric. This method ensures the covering remains stable and does not slip during movement or contact sports.
Who and what it suits
The patka is suitable for any hair texture since it covers the hair completely. It is specifically designed for those who need a secure head covering during physical exertion. Young boys and adult men in the Sikh community commonly wear it. It is particularly well-suited for athletes in sports like cricket and field hockey.
Versions
The patka is distinct from the full turban but serves a similar purpose of covering the head. It differs from the rumāl, which is another type of head scarf. Some variations involve how the hair is bundled underneath, such as placing the bun at the back for sports instead of the traditional top position.
In culture
The patka has featured prominently in news regarding sports regulations and religious freedom. High-profile cricketers have normalised its use in professional leagues. Political figures like Gurpatwant Singh Pannun also wear it. Conflicts with organisations like FIBA and United World Wrestling have brought attention to the need for inclusive dress codes in international athletic competitions.
Questions people ask about Patka
What is a patka made of?
It is typically made from a square piece of cotton. The cloth has four strings attached to the corners to help tie it securely around the head.
Who usually wears a patka?
It is commonly worn by young Sikh boys and Sikh sportsmen. It serves as a practical alternative to the full turban for those needing stability during physical activity.
How is the hair arranged under a patka for sports?
For sports, the hair is usually tied into a bun at the back of the head. This differs from the traditional joora which is positioned at the top of the head.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Patka", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryHairstyle rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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