Republic Day 2026: PM Modi’s Multicoloured Pagdi Steals the Spotlight
From Rajasthani safas to regional headgear, the Prime Minister’s Republic Day attire reflects India’s cultural mosaic
NEW DELHI, Jan 26: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived for the Republic Day ceremony at the National War Memorial, public attention extended beyond the formal proceedings to his carefully chosen attire, a tradition that has become part of the visual identity of the national celebrations.
For the 77th Republic Day, the Prime Minister opted for a vibrant Rajasthani-style safa, or pagdi, blending deep red, mustard yellow and green hues. The turban was styled high with a fan shaped crest and paired with a light sky-blue Nehru jacket worn over a dark navy kurta. White churidar trousers and black formal footwear completed the ensemble.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Air Chief Marshal A.P.S. Singh and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi.
Over the years, PM Modi’s Republic Day outfits particularly his headgear have drawn widespread attention for their cultural symbolism. His turbans and caps have represented regions such as Rajasthan, Gujarat and Uttarakhand, often highlighting traditional craftsmanship and regional identity.
At the 2025 ceremony, he wore a multi hued turban dominated by red and yellow shades, complemented by a brown bandhgala coat, churidar trousers and a colourful pocket square. In 2024, marking the 75th Republic Day, he chose a Bandhini-patterned turban with a prominent yellow tone, styled with a white kurta and brown Nehru jacket.
The previous year saw him don a Rajasthani turban reflecting India’s diversity, while in 2022 he selected a traditional Uttarakhand cap adorned with a Brahmakamal-inspired brooch, paying tribute to the state flower. His 2021 appearance featured a Jamnagar turban gifted by the royal family of Gujarat, paired with a muted grey ensemble.
Earlier celebrations also saw bold choices, including a saffron printed turban at the 71st Republic Day and a yellow turban with red and green accents at the 70th edition, reinforcing his consistent use of attire as a cultural statement.
Observed annually on January 26, Republic Day commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950, marking the nation’s transition into a sovereign, secular and democratic republic founded on the principles of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.
