New Delhi: At India’s Republic Day 2026 parade in the nation’s capital, where celebrations met patriotic spirit, with tradition walking hand in hand, fashion also emerged as a quiet but powerful form of diplomacy. Among the chief guests present, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made a striking statement when she donned a Banarasi brocade bandhgala jacket, paying subtle homage to India’s rich textile heritage.
In a vibrant shade of burgundy and gold, along with its clean lines and regal silhouette, she teamed a bandhgala jacket with white trousers.
By wearing Indian brocade for India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations, von der Leyen embraced fashion as cultural respect – a gesture that resonated deeply with many across social media platforms as citizens praised her choice of outfit for the occasion.
Ursula von der Leyen took to her X handle to share her thoughts on attending the celebrations in India. “It is the honor of a lifetime to be the chief guests at the Republic Day celebrations. A successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure. And we all benefit from it,” she wrote.
India’s 77th Republic Day Parade concluded on Monday after a spectacular display of the country’s military might and diverse culture at the Kartavya Trail.
After the parade and after relieving the President and visiting foreign dignitaries, PM Modi kept to his custom of walking the Kartavya trail.
He was seen waving to the spectators who had gathered to witness the Republic Day parade.
PM Modi, whose choice of clothes is also making headlines, arrived in his own signature style wearing a striking traditional outfit.
For Republic Day 2026, Prime Minister Modi opted for a richly colored Rajasthani-style safa, also known as ‘pagdi’, in shades of deep red, mustard yellow and green, tied high with a fan-like crest. He teamed a light sky blue Nehru jacket over a dark navy kurta with the turban. White churidar style trousers completed the look and he paired the outfit with traditional black dress shoes.
Every year, PM Modi’s Republic Day attire gets people talking and his turbans always attract the most attention. Over the years, he has worn turbans and caps from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttarakhand and other states, each with cultural significance.
