79th Independence Day: PM Modi continues 'safa' tradition; opts for saffron turban

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wearing a saffron turban, to lead the 79th Independence Day celebrations on Friday, addressing the nation from the historic Red Fort for the 12th consecutive year.With his signature flair, PM donned a saffron turban for his 12th consecutive address from the historic Red Fort. He paired a white kurta and churidar with a saffron bandhgala jacket, complemented by a tricolour stole.Greeting the country, he urged citizens to work harder toward building a "developed Bharat". "Wishing everyone a very happy Independence Day. May this day inspire us to keep working even harder to realise the dreams of our freedom fighters and build a Viksit Bharat. Jai Hind," he posted on X.Since 2014, PM Modi has followed the tradition of wearing distinctive, colourful turbans on Independence Day, showcasing the diverse cultural heritage of India’s regions.The turban showcased a mix of orange, yellow, and green shades with an elongated tail. PM Modi paired the vibrant headgear with a white kurta-churidar and a light blue bandhgala jacket for his 11th Independence Day address.The leheriya print, a traditional tie-dye textile from Rajasthan, takes inspiration from the wave-like patterns formed by desert winds across the state’s western sands.In 2023, PM Modi sported a multicoloured Rajasthani-style bandhani print turban in shades of yellow, green, and red. He paired it with an off-white kurta-churidar, a black V-neck jacket, and a pocket square featuring geometric designs.In 2022, PM Modi marked Independence Day in a white kurta-churidar, a baby-blue Nehru jacket, and a white turban decorated with orange and green stripes, reflecting the colours of the national flag.In 2021, during the Covid-19 pandemic, PM Modi wore a saffron turban with bold red patterns and a flowing pink trail, paired with a crisp white kurta, fitted churidar, a deep blue jacket, and a white scarf edged with a saffron border.In 2020, PM Modi donned a striking saffron-and-cream turban symbolising cultural pride, paired with a white kurta and churidar, and completed the look with an orange-and-white scarf draped over his shoulders, blending traditional elegance with national significance.In 2019, PM Modi blended tradition with modernity, wearing a vibrant saffron turban with intricate embroidery symbolising national pride, paired with a richly patterned stole celebrating India’s artisanal heritage, creating a powerful visual statement of unity and progress.In 2018, PM Modi wore a striking saffron turban with red patterns and a long trail that nearly reached his ankles. The saffron, symbolising sacrifice and courage, was paired with a white stole featuring a broad geometric-patterned border, adding a touch of elegance to the ensemble.In 2017, PM Modi donned a vibrant yellow turban adorned with intricate traditional and geometric patterns. The headgear symbolized India’s cultural heritage and national pride, aligning with the uplifting themes of his Independence Day address and blending tradition with a contemporary flair.In 2016, PM Modi wore a distinctive tie-dye turban in bright pink and yellow hues, marked by its unique patterns. The festive design reflected his personal style while embodying the celebratory spirit of Independence Day, bringing a vibrant flourish to the occasion.The following year, in 2015, PM Modi made a bold fashion statement with a yellow turban adorned with multi-coloured criss-cross lines. This eye-catching headgear, featuring a mix of yellow, red, and deep green, had a long trail that extended to his ankles, reflecting the grandeur of traditional Indian turbans.In 2014, during his first Independence Day as Prime Minister, Modi wore a vibrant Rajasthani turban showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage. Its vivid mix of orange, yellow, and green exuded festivity, while intricate patterns blended traditional craftsmanship with a modern touch, creating a striking and celebratory look.