On the occasion of the 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued his tradition of wearing a distinctive turban that reflects India’s cultural heritage.
Today PM Modi wears a light blue Nehru jacket over a neatly tailored dark blue kurta. His most striking feature is his shining turban.
It is a traditional colorful safa with red as the base, decorated with yellow patterns and a touch of green. The turban adds cultural depth and regional pride to his attire.
The Prime Minister paid his respects at the National War Memorial and observed 2 minutes silence in memory of the martyrs. He then proceeded to the Kartavya trail for the 77th Republic Day Parade.
Prime Minister Modi’s view of Republic Day 2015-2017
In 2015, during his first Republic Day as the Prime Minister, he wore a peacock-style Bandhani turban in bright colours. US President Barack Obama attended as the chief guest.
In 2016, he chose a yellow turban with pink-red stripes and a cream bandhgala suit. It was followed in 2017 by a pink turban with silver lines.
Prime Minister Modi’s view of Republic Day 2018-2021
In 2018, PM Modi wore a yellow-red turban with a cream kurta and a black jacket. He later appeared in a red Halari pagdi with yellow dots donated by Jamnagar’s royal family.
In 2019, the colorful turban with yellow, red and green hues showed India’s diversity. In 2020, he chose the Bandhej turban, inspired by textiles from Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Prime Minister Modi’s view of Republic Day 2022-2025
In 2022, he ditched the turban and wore the traditional Uttarakhand cap with the Brahma Kamal, the state flower.
In 2023 he returned to turbans with a bright Leheria Pheta. Its flowing patterns reflected Rajasthani and Maharashtrian culture.
In 2024, he chose a yellow, pink and white Bandhani turban, paying homage to Lord Rama and the Rajasthani craft of tie dyeing. Last year, Prime Minister Modi wore a saffron-red striped safa symbolizing courage, royalty and cultural pride.
