On 77th Republic Day, PM Modi’s Multicoloured ‘Pagdi’ Steals Spotlight; His Turban Styles Over The Years

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If there's one thing people can't help but notice every Republic Day, it's what the Prime Minister wears on his head. Over the years, Narendra Modi's turbans or safas have become more than just a piece of clothing. They're a kind of signature statement, blending colour, culture, and craftsmanship, and giving the parade that extra dash of personality. Watching him pick a turban has almost become part of the tradition itself, a small moment that sparks curiosity and conversation across the country.

Photo Credit: ANI/Youtube@NarendraModi

Republic Day 2026: A Vibrant Blend

On the 77th Republic Day, PM Modi stayed true to this tradition with a multicoloured turban that immediately caught everyone's attention. Bright reds, yellows, and gold brocade accents gave the headgear a festive, handcrafted feel - a subtle nod to India's rich textile traditions.

Photo Credit: ANI

He paired it with a light blue Nehru jacket and navy kurta, striking the perfect balance between ceremonial formality and cultural flair.

A Look Back At His Iconic Turbans

76th Republic Day (2025)

Photo Credit: Youtube@NarendraModi

This edition saw PM Modi don a striking red-and-yellow striped safa, paired with a brown bandhgala and white kurta‑pyjama. The bold colours caught the eye instantly and celebrated India's rich textile and craft heritage, reflecting the festive spirit of Republic Day while staying rooted in traditional regional craftsmanship.

75th Republic Day (2024)

Photo Credit: Youtube@NarendraModi

For this milestone celebration, the turban featured a Bandhani print in saffron, pink, and yellow - a classic tie-dye pattern from western India. It was a vibrant and celebratory choice, marking the 75th Republic Day with cultural pride and a nod to centuries-old textile art.

74th Republic Day (2023)

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A traditional Rajasthani-style pheta took centre stage this year. Bright, cheerful hues and the distinctive style of draping made it both visually striking and deeply rooted in regional tradition, reflecting India's diversity in a single fold.

73rd Republic Day (2022)

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Departing slightly from the usual turban, PM Modi wore a cap from Uttarakhand, adorned with a brooch inspired by the state flower, the Brahma Kamal. The choice celebrated regional identity while keeping the ceremonial tone intact.

72nd Republic Day (2021)

This year featured the Halari Pagdi, a bright red turban with yellow motifs, gifted by the royal family of Jamnagar, Gujarat. The look was both traditional and personal, highlighting regional artisanship and adding a touch of royal heritage to the celebrations.

71st Republic Day (2020)

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PM Modi wore a saffron Bandhej turban with a flowing tail, a traditional tie-dye style from Rajasthan and Gujarat. The vibrant colours and texture reflected local craftsmanship, giving a festive and culturally rooted feel to the ceremony.

The Significance Of His Turbans

The turban isn't just for looks. Each year, it's carefully chosen to reflect regional craft, heritage, and meaning:

• Traditional fabrics like Bandhani (from Gujarat and Rajasthan) showcase local weaving and dyeing techniques.
• Colours carry significance - red, yellow, and saffron stand for courage, energy, and celebration.
• Even when the PM wears a cap instead of a turban, it highlights a particular region, sometimes with subtle symbolic details like a flower or motif.

PM Modi's Republic Day turbans have become a visual thread connecting India's history, craftsmanship, and cultural identity. The 2026 multicoloured turban was the latest in this ongoing story - vibrant, thoughtful, and unmistakably part of the tradition. Watching him pick a turban has become a moment of delight for many, a little reminder that celebration and culture go hand in hand.