PM Modi's Republic Day Turban: A Cultural Symbol in National Celebrations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's choice of headgear once again captured attention during the grand Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. This year, the Prime Minister adorned a striking red Rajasthani-style pagdi, accentuated with golden-yellow streaks, bringing cultural elegance to the solemn national ritual.
The Significance of the Saafa Tradition
Over the years, the tradition of wearing distinctive turbans on Republic Day and Independence Day has evolved into a signature expression of PM Modi's public persona. More than a mere fashion statement, the saafa functions as a visual narrative that symbolically carries India's cultural richness, diversity, and regional heritage into the ceremonial heart of the Republic Day parade.
On Monday morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the National War Memorial in New Delhi in his trademark style, dressed in a striking traditional ensemble. The PM donned a Rajasthani-style safa, also known as a pagdi, rendered in rich hues of deep red, mustard yellow, and green. The turban was tied high, featuring a distinctive fan-shaped crest that added to its ceremonial elegance.
Complete Traditional Ensemble
The vibrant colors of the turban echoed the festive atmosphere along Kartavya Path, where crowds gathered to watch the parade and state tableaux showcased the vast cultural sweep of India's states and Union Territories. He paired the safa with a light sky-blue Nehru jacket worn over a dark navy kurta, striking a perfect balance between formality and cultural expression.
The look was completed with white churidar-style trousers and traditional black formal shoes, reinforcing the blend of tradition and statesmanship that has become a hallmark of his Republic Day appearances. This carefully curated ensemble demonstrated how traditional attire can communicate national pride and cultural identity on the world stage.
Evolution of Republic Day Attire
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Republic Day style has evolved year after year into a visual chronicle of India's cultural diversity. Last year, during the 2025 Republic Day celebrations, PM Modi opted for a vibrant multi-colored turban, paired with a brown full-sleeve bandhgala, a multi-colored pocket square, and churidar pants.
For the 75th Republic Day in 2024, he wore a multi-colored turban dominated by a vibrant yellow hue, paired with a white kurta and a brown Nehru jacket. Featuring traditional Rajasthani Bandhini prints, the ensemble reflected regional craftsmanship and national pride.
Historical Attire Choices
During the 74th Republic Day celebrations, the Prime Minister again opted for a multi-colored Rajasthani turban, widely seen as a symbol of India's unity in diversity. In 2022, marking the 73rd Republic Day, PM Modi chose a traditional cap from Uttarakhand, adorned with a Brahmakamal-inspired brooch—a nod to the state flower and the hill state's cultural heritage.
For the 72nd Republic Day in 2021, he wore a distinctive Jamnagar turban gifted by the royal family of Jamnagar in Gujarat, paired with a grey jacket, kurta, and pyjama, underscoring ties to local tradition. At the 71st Republic Day celebrations, the Prime Minister sported a bright saffron-colored printed turban featuring intricate yellow patterns.
Earlier, on the 70th Republic Day, he appeared in a yellow turban with a red tail, highlighted with green accents and subtle golden lines, completing the look with a sleeveless bandhgala jacket over a white kurta.
Global Dimension of Celebrations
India marked its 77th Republic Day this year with an added global dimension, hosting European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Antonio Luís Santos da Costa as chief guests. This created a setting where tradition, diplomacy, and symbolism converged along Kartavya Path, making the Prime Minister's cultural attire even more significant in the international context.
The consistent evolution of PM Modi's Republic Day attire demonstrates how ceremonial clothing can serve as a powerful medium for cultural expression and national identity. Each year's choice of turban and accompanying ensemble tells a story about India's diverse heritage while maintaining the dignity and formality required for state occasions.
