PM Modi sports saffron turban at 79th Independence Day celebrations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from Red Fort after hoisting the national flag on the occasion of Independence Day

For the 79th Independence Day celebrations at Delhi’s historic Red Fort on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi donned a saffron turban.

In keeping with his custom for Independence Day and Republic Day events, Modi appeared in a kurta-churidar with a saffron jacket and a tricolour stole, topped off with a bright, eye-catching turban.

The Prime Minister is delivering his 12th consecutive address to the nation from the ramparts of the iconic Red Fort.

Upon his arrival at the Red Fort, the Prime Minister was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, MoS Defence Sanjay Seth and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

Earlier, PM Modi extended his heartfelt wishes to the nation on Independence Day, urging people to work harder, fulfil the dreams of freedom fighters, and contribute to building towards a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India).

"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!" PM Modi wrote in a post on X.

PM Modi's Independence Day looks over the last few years:

Modi’s Independence Day turbans have grown into a signature visual tradition. In 2024, he sported a vibrant Rajasthani leheriya turban, its orange, yellow, and green hues reflecting both cultural pride and a respect for tradition.

In 2023, he opted for a bandhani print in shades of yellow, green and red, and paired it with a black V-neck jacket. In 2022, he wore a saffron turban with red motifs and a flowing tail that he paired with a blue jacket and a stole.

In 2021, a cream and saffron turban complemented his half-sleeved kurta, while 2020 saw him adapting to the pandemic with a white scarf edged in saffron, used as a protective face covering.

His debut Independence Day as prime minister in 2014 was marked by a fiery red Jodhpuri bandhej turban. The following years brought a kaleidoscope of colours -- from the yellow and multicoloured crisscross turban in 2015, to a pink-yellow tie-and-dye version in 2016, and a bold red and yellow creation in 2017.

Saffron made a powerful, singular statement in 2018.

(With PTI inputs)