Wearing a white kurta-churidar, Modi completed his outfit with a saffron bandhgala jacket and a tricolor stole, continuing a tradition of making bold sartorial statements on Independence Day.
Over the years, the prime minister’s choice of headgear has become a visual feature of his annual speech at the Red Fort. Each year, his turban reflects both cultural heritage and a message of unity.
Find all live updates here
In 2024, Modi wore a saffron turban – bold and simple – highlighting national pride. In 2023, he wore a vibrant Rajasthani leheriya turban in orange, yellow and green, symbolizing celebration and tradition.
In 2022, he chose a yellow, green and red bandhani print, paired with a black V-neck jacket. For 2021, a saffron turban with red patterns and a flowing tail stood out against a blue jacket and stole.
During the 2020 pandemic, Modi adapted his attire to the times, using a white scarf with saffron trim as a face covering.
His first Independence Day as prime minister in 2014 featured a bright red Jodhpuri bandhej turban.
Subsequent years brought vibrant variations: a yellow and multi-colored turban in 2015, a pink-yellow tie-dye in 2016, and a bold red-yellow mix in 2017.
In 2018, an all-saffron turban made a strong visual statement.
Ahead of the celebrations at the Red Fort, Modi extended his greetings to the nation via X (formerly Twitter), calling for collective efforts towards a developed India. “I wish everyone a very happy Independence Day. May this day inspire us to continue working even harder to realize the dreams of our freedom fighters and build a Viksit Bharat. Jai Hind,” he wrote.
