Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought his signature sartorial flair as he continued his ‘safa’ tradition and wore a saffron turban to mark the 79th Independence Day celebrations.
The Prime Minister paired the striking ‘narangi’ turban with a white kurta, churidar and a saffron bandhgala jacket, complemented by a tricolour stole as he addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the 12th consecutive year.
Greeting the country, he urged citizens to work harder toward building a “developed Bharat”. “Wishing everyone a very happy Independence Day. May this day inspire us to keep working even harder to realise the dreams of our freedom fighters and build a Viksit Bharat. Jai Hind,” he posted on X.
Since 2014, the Prime Minister has made it a tradition to wear vibrant, culturally rooted turbans every year on Independence Day — each telling a story, each rooted in Indian heritage.
Here’s a look back at the colours, prints, and symbolism of his Independence Day turbans over the past decade:
2025: A Saffron Statement
This year, PM Modi chose a bold saffron turban with an elongated tail, symbolising courage and sacrifice, staying true to his consistent nod to India’s rich traditions.
2024: Leheriya Legacy
A vibrant leheriya print turban in shades of orange, yellow, and green stole the spotlight, representing the sweeping desert winds of Rajasthan. It was teamed with a white kurta-churidar and a light blue bandhgala jacket.
2023: Bandhani Brilliance
In 2023, the Prime Minister wore a colourful Rajasthani-style bandhani turban in yellow, green, and red, perfectly paired with an off-white kurta-churidar and a smart black jacket featuring a geometric pocket square.
2022: Tricolour Touch
Sporting a white turban with orange and green stripes, PM Modi’s 2022 look echoed the Indian flag. A baby-blue Nehru jacket added a soft modern twist.
2021: Pandemic Resilience in Colour
Amid the pandemic’s shadow, he wore a saffron turban with bold red motifs and a pink trail. The ensemble included a deep blue jacket and a saffron-edged scarf, conveying strength and hope.
2020: Cream and Courage
A saffron-and-cream turban set the tone in 2020, symbolising unity and cultural pride. An orange-and-white scarf added to the patriotic palette.
2019: Heritage in Detail
With intricate embroidery, PM Modi’s saffron turban and rich stole paid homage to Indian artisans, blending tradition with a progressive vision.
2018: A Regal Trail
A saffron turban with red patterns and a dramatic, ankle-grazing trail made a powerful visual impact, matched with a white stole boasting a bold geometric border.
2017: Yellow and Proud
A flamboyant yellow turban with traditional motifs stood out in 2017, representing national pride with contemporary flair.
2016: Tie-Dye Traditions
A bright pink and yellow tie-dye turban brought colour and festivity, celebrating the day’s joyful spirit with vibrant patterns.
2015: The Criss-Cross Classic
In 2015, a yellow Rajasthani turban featuring multi-coloured criss-cross lines and a long tail embodied grandeur and tradition.
2014: The Debut Look
PM Modi’s first Independence Day as Prime Minister saw him in a classic Rajasthani turban — an energetic mix of orange, yellow, and green, symbolising celebration and a new leadership.
From bold saffron to intricate tie-dyes, PM Modi’s Independence Day turbans are more than fashion — they’re a statement of unity, heritage, and the spirit of Bharat.