Republic Day parade: From golden motif turban to traditional cap of Uttarakhand, a look into PM Modi's turban looks over the years

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the 77th Republic Day in a deep maroon turban adorned with an intricate golden peacock-feather motif, adding a touch of ceremonial elegance to his attire. The richly embroidered headgear featured a long maroon-and-green flowing tail and was tightly wrapped with multi-coloured hues along the side. He paired it with a dark navy blue-and-white kurta-pyjama and a light blue half-jacket.

Colourful turbans have become a signature element of PM Modi’s Republic Day and Independence Day appearances over the years. In 2024, he wore a multi-coloured bandhani safa—a traditional tie-dye textile popular in Gujarat and Rajasthan. A year earlier, he opted for a vibrant Rajasthani turban for Republic Day and later chose another multi-hued Rajasthani-style headgear with a long tail for Independence Day.

PM Modi’s fondness for distinctive turbans dates back to his first Independence Day as prime minister in 2014, when he wore a bright red Jodhpuri bandhej turban. Since then, his choices have ranged from yellow and pink tie-dye styles to saffron, mustard, and red-and-yellow designs with golden crisscross patterns. In 2019, he sported a multi-coloured turban while delivering his Independence Day address after securing a second term in office.

His Republic Day looks have also reflected India’s regional diversity. In 2022, PM Modi wore a traditional cap from Uttarakhand featuring a Brahma Kamal-inspired brooch—the state flower. In 2021, he donned a bright red Halari Pagdi with yellow dots, a gift from the royal family of Jamnagar in Gujarat.

From vivid bandhani prints to classic Rajasthani safas, the prime minister’s headgear has consistently stood out as a visual highlight of India’s national celebrations.