Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s turban, or saafa, once again became a quiet yet striking focus point during the grand Republic Day celebrations on Monday. This year, the Prime Minister chose a red Rajasthani-style pagdi, highlighted with golden-yellow streaks, adding a note of cultural elegance to the solemn national ritual.Over the years, the tradition of donning distinctive headgear on Republic Day and Independence Day has evolved into a signature expression of PM Modi’s public persona. More than a fashion choice, the saafa functions as a visual narrative — symbolically carrying India’s cultural richness and 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 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.The colours 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 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.
PM Modi’s Republic Day style, year after year
Last year, during the 2025 Republic Day celebrations, PM Modi had opted for a vibrant multi-coloured turban, paired with a brown full-sleeve bandhgala, a multi-coloured pocket square and churidar pants, reinforcing the evolving yet consistent language of his ceremonial attire.Over the years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Republic Day attire has evolved into a visual chronicle of India’s cultural diversity.For the 75th Republic Day in 2024, he wore a multi-coloured 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.During the 74th Republic Day celebrations, the Prime Minister again opted for a multi-coloured 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-coloured 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.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 — a setting in which tradition, diplomacy and symbolism converged along Kartavya Path.
