NEW DELHI, Jan 26: On Republic Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased a vibrant red and yellow striped “safa,” which he paired with a brown bandhgala jacket and a matching pocket square. For the 76th Republic Day festivities, he opted for a white kurta-pyjama ensemble and adorned a traditional turban complete with a long veil.
The prime minister’s Republic Day and Independence Day appearances frequently feature flamboyant and colorful turbans. Last year, he selected a multi-hued “bandhani” print safa, a style known for its intricate tie-dye techniques originated from Gujarat and Rajasthan, creating intricate patterns through meticulous plucking of the fabric.
In 2023, Modi donned a similarly vibrant Rajasthani turban and paired it with trousers and a kurta. Later that year, during the 77th Independence Day, he again chose a striking multi-colored Rajasthani-style turban with an extended tail. In 2019, shortly after his re-election, he sported another colorful turban while addressing the nation from the Red Fort’s ramparts.
For his debut Independence Day as prime minister in 2014, Modi chose a bright red Jodhpuri “bandhej” turban. In 2015, he wore a yellow turban embellished with colorful criss-cross designs, followed by a tie-and-dye creation in pink and yellow in 2016. The following year, his turban was a vivid fusion of red and yellow adorned with golden crisscross lines, and in 2018, he opted for a saffron-hued turban.
From a striking red “bandhani” turban from Kutch to a mustard Rajasthani “safa,” Modi’s eye-catching headgear has consistently been a standout feature of his Republic-Day appearances. In 2022, he chose a unique traditional cap from Uttarakhand for the occasion, accented with a Brahma Kamal-inspired brooch. The Brahma Kamal, Uttarakhand’s state flower, has been a recurring detail during the prime minister’s visits to Kedarnath.
In 2021, Modi wore a red “Halari Pagdi,” a vibrant “bandhej” headpiece adorned with yellow polka dots, gifted from the Jamnagar royal family in Gujarat, during the ceremonial parade. (Agencies)
