From Bandhani to Leheriya: PM Modi’s Iconic Independence Day Turbans Over The Years

Maroon Bandhani Makes a Comeback

For his 13th consecutive Independence Day address, PM Modi wore a striking maroon safa decorated with yellow and white Bandhani patterns. He paired it with a white kurta-pyjama and a brown Nehru jacket, giving the traditional look a sophisticated touch.

2025: A Bold Saffron Statement

In 2025, PM Modi opted for a bright saffron turban for his Independence Day appearance. The bold headgear stood out against his traditional white outfit and added a festive touch to his Red Fort look.

2024: Vibrant Rajasthani Leheriya

PM Modi chose a colourful Rajasthani Leheriya turban featuring shades of orange, yellow and green. He teamed it with a white kurta-trouser combination and a blue jacket, bringing the beauty of traditional Indian textiles to the national stage.

2023: A Burst of Bandhani Colours

The 2023 turban was a vibrant Rajasthani Bandhani design, featuring multiple shades including yellow, orange, violet, green and red. The colourful headgear highlighted the rich craftsmanship and textile traditions of Rajasthan.

2022: Tricolour-Inspired Turban

In 2022, PM Modis turban carried a strong patriotic theme. The white safa featured orange and green stripes, echoing the colours of the national flag. The look came during the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign and stood out as one of his most recognisable Independence Day appearances.

2021: Saffron Turban With Pink Trail

PM Modi wore a saffron turban with a long pink fabric tail in 2021. The colourful headgear was paired with a white kurta and blue jacket, creating another distinctive traditional look for the Red Fort ceremony.

2020: Turban And Mask Amid Covid

The 2020 Independence Day ceremony took place during the Covid-19 pandemic. PM Modi wore an orange-and-yellow safa with a long trail, while a white scarf with a saffron border was used to cover his face.

2019: Multicoloured Leheriya Look

For the 2019 Independence Day ceremony, PM Modi appeared in a multicoloured turban with prominent pleats gathered to one side. The vibrant headgear was paired with traditional attire and a detailed stole.

2018: Saffron And Red

PM Modi kept his 2018 look relatively simple with a saffron turban featuring red detailing and a long tail. He paired it with an all-white traditional outfit, allowing the colourful headgear to remain the centre of attention.

2017: Red, Yellow And Golden Details

In 2017, PM Modi chose a red-and-yellow turban decorated with golden criss-cross patterns. The striking colours and flowing tail added a festive and distinctly traditional character to his Independence Day attire.

2016: Pink And Yellow Bandhej

The 2016 look featured a bright pink-and-yellow tie-and-dye turban with a long trailing end. Paired with a white kurta, the colourful headgear gave the overall outfit a vibrant festive appeal.

2015: Yellow With Colourful Patterns

For Independence Day 2015, PM Modi wore a yellow-based turban featuring colourful intersecting patterns. The traditional headgear was paired with a kurta and Nehru jacket, creating a bright and elegant combination.

2014: Where The Turban Tradition Began

For his first Independence Day address as prime minister in 2014, PM Modi wore a bright red Jodhpuri-style Bandhej turban with a contrasting green tail. Paired with a simple white kurta and churidar, the look marked the beginning of his now-famous Independence Day turban tradition.

More Than Just A Fashion Statement

From Rajasthan-inspired Bandhani and Leheriya patterns to patriotic tricolour combinations, PM Modi’s Independence Day turbans have showcased different colours, crafts and regional influences over the years.