NEW DELHI: For the 78th Independence Day celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose a vibrant Rajasthani leheriya print turban as part of his iconic sartorial tradition. The turban, featuring a blend of orange, yellow, and green hues with an elongated tail, added a splash of color to the occasion. PM Modi paired this vibrant headgear with a white kurta and churidar, complemented by a light blue bandhgala jacket for his 11th Independence Day address to the nation.
The leheriya print, a traditional tie-dye textile technique from Rajasthan, draws inspiration from the natural wave patterns created by the wind sweeping across the desert sands of western Rajasthan. Since 2014, PM Modi has made it a tradition to wear distinctive and colorful turbans during each Independence Day celebration, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of various Indian regions. Here’s a look at the turbans he’s worn in previous years:
- 2014: PM Modi debuted his Independence Day tradition with a vibrant Rajasthani turban in shades of orange, yellow, and green, symbolizing celebration and festivity with intricate patterns adding a modern touch.
- 2015: The following year, he wore a yellow turban adorned with multicolored criss-cross lines, featuring a long trail that extended to his ankles, reflecting the grandeur of traditional Indian turbans.
- 2016: His choice in 2016 was a tie-dye turban in shades of pink and yellow, capturing the celebratory spirit of Independence Day with its unique patterns.
- 2017: PM Modi donned a vibrant yellow turban with intricate traditional and geometric patterns, blending India’s cultural heritage with a modern twist.
- 2018: In 2018, he sported a striking saffron turban with red patterns and a long trail, paired with a white stole that featured a broad geometric border, symbolizing sacrifice and courage.
- 2019: His 2019 ensemble featured a vibrant saffron turban with intricate embroidery, paired with a richly patterned stole, creating a powerful visual statement of unity and progress.
- 2020: The year 2020 saw him in a saffron and cream turban, symbolizing cultural pride, paired with a white kurta and churidar and an orange and white scarf.
- 2021: Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, he wore a saffron turban with vibrant red patterns and a flowing pink trail, paired with a sleek white kurta and a rich blue jacket.
- 2022: PM Modi celebrated Independence Day in 2022 with a white kurta and churidar, a baby-blue Nehru jacket, and a white turban adorned with orange and green stripes echoing the colors of the national flag.
- 2023: Last year, PM Modi’s appearance was marked by a multicolored Rajasthani-style turban with a bandhani print in shades of yellow, green, and red, paired with an off-white kurta and churidar, complemented by a black V-neck jacket.
PM Modi’s choice of headgear each year not only honors the rich cultural diversity of India but also reflects his deep connection with the traditions and values that bind the nation together.
