PM Modi’s Republic Day turban and cultural attire take centre stage | Revisiting his most iconic pagdi looks
On Republic Day 2026, PM Modi once again turned heads with a vibrant Rajasthani turban and traditional attire. His outfits, steeped in culture, continue to be a highlight alongside India’s grand celebrations.
When it comes to Republic Day, all eyes aren’t just on the parade. They are also on what Prime Minister Narendra Modi is wearing. Year after year, his choice of outfit, especially the turban, becomes the talk of the town. And for India’s 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, the PM did not disappoint.
PM Modi arrived at the National War Memorial in New Delhi looking every bit the statesman. His Rajasthani-style safa stole the show. It was vibrant mix of deep red, mustard yellow, green tied high with dramatic fan-like crest.
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He paired it with a light sky-blue Nehru jacket over a dark navy kurta, crisp white churidar trousers, and classic black formal shoes.
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A look back at Modi’s turban history
If you’ve followed Republic Day fashion, you know that PM Modi’s turbans are almost as famous as the parade itself. Each year, he picks headgear that celebrates India’s diverse culture.
2025: A multi-colored turban in shades of red and yellow, paired with a brown bandhgala coat, multi-colored pocket square, and churidar pants.
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2024 (75th Republic Day): A vibrant yellow Rajasthani Bandhini turban with a white kurta and brown Nehru jacket, classic and colorful.
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2023 (74th Republic Day): Another multi-colored Rajasthani turban
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2022 (73rd Republic Day): A traditional Uttarakhand cap adorned with a Brahmakamal-inspired brooch.
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2021: A Jamnagar turban gifted by Gujarat’s royal family paired with a grey jacket, kurta, pyjama.
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Earlier years: From saffron and yellow printed turbans to yellow-red combinations with golden accents.
Why Republic Day matters
Republic Day is more than fashion and parades. Celebrated on January 26 every year, it marks India’s adoption of the Constitution in 1950. That is when India officially became sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic.
Beyond the pomp and ceremony, the day honours the long struggle for independence and the birth of a governance system rooted in justice, liberty, equality, fraternity.
For citizens, it’s moment to feel proud, reflect on history, and celebrate national unity.
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused Rahul Gandhi of spreading panic and misinformation after the Congress leader claimed an "institutional revolt" was underway and predicted PM Modi would not remain in office for another year.
The actor told Modi that Peddi is about an evolved India and empowering villages. Modi responded by sharing a story from West Bengal about a footballer from a small village who went on to represent the country.