New Delhi, Jan 26 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s turban, or safa, at the grand 77th Republic Day celebrations on Monday displayed India’s rich textile heritage, craftsmanship, and civilisational pride.
Over the years, his choice of ceremonial headgear has evolved, symbolising the continuity of tradition.
The turban worn this year was tied in a traditional Rajasthani or Rajput-style safa, a form distinguished by its layered folds and decorative knot. Predominantly in deep crimson and maroon hues, the fabric was adorned with intricate golden motifs, evoking the regal and ceremonial heritage historically associated with royal courts and princely states.
These vibrant accents lent the turban a celebratory look, mirroring India’s cultural diversity.
Over the years, PM Modi’s choice of distinctive headgear on Republic Day and Independence Day has evolved into a signature element of his public image.
On Monday morning, the Prime Minister arrived at the National War Memorial in New Delhi dressed in his trademark traditional attire.
PM Modi paired the safa with a light sky-blue Nehru jacket over a dark navy kurta, striking a balance between formality and cultural expression. White churidars and black formal shoes completed the ensemble, reinforcing the blend of tradition and statesmanship that has come to define his Republic Day appearances.
In 2025, the Prime Minister opted for a vibrant multi-coloured turban, paired with a brown full-sleeve bandhgala, a matching pocket square and churidars, reflecting the evolving yet consistent language of his ceremonial attire.
For the 75th Republic Day in 2024, he wore a multi-coloured turban dominated by bright yellow hues, teamed with a white kurta and brown Nehru jacket. Featuring traditional Rajasthani Bandhini prints, the ensemble highlighted regional craftsmanship and national pride.
During the 74th Republic Day celebrations, PM Modi once again chose a multi-coloured Rajasthani turban, widely interpreted as a symbol of India’s unity in diversity.
In 2022, marking the 73rd Republic Day, he donned a traditional cap from Uttarakhand, adorned with a Brahmakamal-inspired brooch, paying tribute to the state flower and the hill state’s cultural heritage.
For the 72nd Republic Day in 2021, the Prime Minister wore a Jamnagar turban gifted by the royal family of Jamnagar in Gujarat, paired with a grey jacket, kurta and pyjama, underscoring his connection to local traditions.
At the 71st Republic Day celebrations, he appeared in a bright saffron-coloured printed turban with intricate yellow patterns. Earlier, on the 70th Republic Day, PM Modi wore a yellow turban with a red tail, highlighted by green accents and subtle golden lines, paired with a sleeveless bandhgala jacket over a white kurta.
India marked its 77th Republic Day this year with an added global dimension, hosting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Luís Santos da Costa as chief guests, a moment where tradition, diplomacy and symbolism converged along Kartavya Path.
