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.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.

2024: Leheriya print turban

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.

2023: Bandhani print turban

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.

2022: Nehru jacket and tricolour turban

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.

2021: A tapestry of tradition and resilience

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.

2020: PM’s striking saffron and cream turban

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.