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As the nation wakes up on Saturday to celebrate the 80th Independence Day, all eyes are on the ramparts of the Red Fort. Beyond the highly anticipated national address, a captivating sartorial tradition keeps fashion enthusiasts and cultural pride watchers guessing year after year: What is Prime Minister Narendra Modi wearing?
Since his first address in 2014, the PM's vibrant turbans (safas) have served as his signature element for the occasion. They aren't just a pop of colour; they act as a carefully curated homage to India's rich regional textiles, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage. Take a colourful trip down memory lane and revisit the striking headgears that define Prime Minister Modi's Independence Day wardrobe over the last decade. 1. 2014 For his maiden Independence Day address, the PM set the tone with a bright red Jodhpuri bandhej turban, elegantly finished with contrasting green accents. 2. 2015 He switched things up with a sunny yellow base turban covered in a striking multi-coloured criss-cross pattern of red and deep green. 3. 2016 Embracing the classic tie-and-dye technique, he sported a vibrant bandhej turban in eye-catching hues of pink and yellow, complete with a long, dramatic trailing end. 4. 2017 A mix of bright red and yellow took centre stage this year, enhanced by a subtle, intricate golden criss-cross design woven all over the fabric. 5. 2018 Leaning into warmer hues, he donned a bright saffron turban accented with delicate red motifs and a flowing tail swaying in the August breeze. 6. 2019 A nod to Rajasthan's textile heritage, the PM wore a multi-coloured safa featuring the traditional leheriya wave pattern, creating a beautiful ripple effect. 7. 2020 During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he chose a vibrant saffron and cream safa with an extended tail. In a memorable practical touch, he complemented it with a white and saffron stole that doubled as a protective face mask. 8. 2021 Saffron returned as the base colour, this time adorned with red patterns and featuring a distinctly long, flowing pink trail. 9. 2022 In perfect alignment with the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, his headgear beautifully mirrored the national flag. He wore a crisp white turban decorated with saffron and green stripes. 10. 2023 The classic Rajasthani bandhani print made a comeback, featuring a lively, multi-coloured palette of yellow, green, and red. 11. 2024 He opted for another leheriya print, but this time with bold streaks of bright orange, dark green, and yellow, finished with a deeply pleated long tail. 12. 2025 For the 79th Independence Day, he made a striking, monochromatic statement. He wore an all-saffron safa matched perfectly with a saffron waistcoat and a crisp tricolour stole. From the wave-like leheriya to the intricate dotted bandhej, each choice stood as a proud nod to the weavers and artisans of India. As the countdown to the 2026 Independence Day celebrations begins, the sartorial speculation is officially on! (ANI)
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