PM Modi’s red turban steals the show: See the colourful Independence Day style story since 2014

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day wardrobe has become a visual tradition, with his annual choice of turbans and traditional attire attracting almost as much attention as his address from the Red Fort. Over the years, he has experimented with vibrant colours, regional textile styles and distinctive patterns, including bandhej, bandhani and leheriya.

His Independence Day looks have ranged from fiery reds and bright yellows to saffron, pink and multicoloured designs. Each appearance has offered a different take on traditional Indian headgear while reflecting the country’s diverse cultural heritage. Here is a look at Modi’s Independence Day style evolution over the years.

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This Year’s Look: Red Tie-and-Dye Turban

For the 80th Independence Day celebrations on August 15, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sported a striking red tie-and-dye turban for his 13th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort.

He paired the traditional turban with a white kurta and chocolate-brown vest. Three pocket squares in saffron, white and green added a subtle tricolour touch to his outfit. The traditional tie-and-dye style also reflects the textile traditions associated with Rajasthan and Gujarat, continuing Modi’s preference for showcasing India's regional craftsmanship on Independence Day.

PM Modi’s Independence Day Looks Over the Years

2025: Rajasthani Leheriya Turban
In 2025, Modi wore a vibrant Rajasthani leheriya turban featuring shades of orange, yellow and green. The flowing pattern brought a colourful regional touch to his Independence Day appearance.

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2023: Yellow, Green and Red Bandhani
Modi opted for a colourful bandhani-print turban in yellow, green and red in 2023. He paired it with a black V-neck jacket, creating a sharp contrast with the vibrant headgear.

2022: Saffron Turban with Red Motifs
In 2022, Modi wore a saffron turban decorated with red motifs and featuring a long, flowing tail. He paired the headgear with a blue jacket and stole.

2021: Cream-and-Saffron Turban
For Independence Day 2021, Modi chose a cream-and-saffron turban and paired it with a half-sleeved kurta, opting for a relatively understated colour combination.

2020: White Scarf with Saffron Border
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Modi's 2020 look was notably different. He wore a white scarf with a saffron border, which also served as a protective face covering.

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2018: Saffron Turban
Saffron took centre stage in Modi's 2018 Independence Day appearance, with the traditional headgear giving his look a distinctly cultural character.

2017: Red-and-Yellow Turban
In 2017, Modi sported a bold red-and-yellow turban, continuing his tradition of using colourful headgear for the national celebration.

2016: Pink-and-Yellow Tie-and-Dye Turban
Modi chose a pink-and-yellow tie-and-dye turban in 2016, adding another vibrant combination to his Independence Day wardrobe.

2015: Yellow Multicoloured Turban
In 2015, Modi wore a bright yellow turban featuring a multicoloured crisscross pattern, giving his traditional appearance a festive look.

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2014: Fiery Red Jodhpuri Bandhej Turban
For his first Independence Day address as prime minister in 2014, Modi wore a fiery red Jodhpuri bandhej turban. The striking headgear marked the beginning of what would become his recognisable Independence Day turban tradition.