From Bandhej to Leheriya: Tracing Modi’s Independence Day turban tradition

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day turbans have evolved into a distinctive visual tradition since 2014. On the 80th Independence Day, he wore a striking red Bandhej turban, continuing his annual celebration of India’s diverse textile heritage and regional craftsmanship

New Delhi: When Prime Minister Narendra Modi first stepped onto the ramparts of the iconic Red Fort on August 15, 2014, he wore a deep red Jodhpuri Bandhej turban. That single choice quietly began a visual tradition that has become as anticipated as the speech itself.

Twelve years later, on the 80th Independence Day, the Prime Minister once again sent a cultural message through his attire a striking red tie-and-dye Bandhej turban rooted in Rajasthani and Gujarati traditions, paired with a white kurta, chocolate-brown jacket and three pocket squares in saffron, white and green. Over the years, PM Modi’s Independence Day turbans have evolved into a distinctive signature, each one carefully chosen to reflect a different facet of India’s textile heritage and regional artistry.

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In 2015, he opted for a yellow and multi-coloured criss-cross turban. The following year brought a soft pink-and-yellow tie-and-dye design. In 2017, deep red and yellow created a bold traditional contrast. Saffron dominated in 2018, while 2019 continued the celebration of classic Indian colours.

During the pandemic year of 2020, he adapted the tradition with a white scarf edged in saffron that also served as a face covering.

Cream and saffron returned in 2021 with a half-sleeved kurta. In 2022, a saffron turban with red motifs and long hanging ends was paired with a blue jacket. The 2023 Bandhani print in yellow, green and red added vibrant energy, followed by a colourful turban in 2024 and a bright Rajasthani Leheriya in orange, yellow and green in 2025.

This year’s return to a rich red Bandhej design brought the journey full circle while reaffirming the cultural continuity that has marked every Independence Day appearance since 2014. More than an accessory, the annual turban has become a quiet tribute to India’s living craft traditions a reminder that national pride can also be woven in colour, pattern and heritage.