Independence Day 2023: Keeping with tradition since 2014, PM Modi dons multicolour Bandhani print turban

Narendra Modi. Pic/PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi sported a multicolour Rajasthani bandhani print turban with an off-white kurta and churidar for the 77th Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort.

For his 10th Independence Day speech as prime minister, PM Modi also wore a black V-neck jacket with the turban which was a mix of yellow, green and red colour with a long tail.

The unique sartorial choices were his way of celebrating the country's ethos and rich cultural diversity.

PM Modi has been carrying forward a unique tradition of wearing distinctive turbans on Independence Day since he took office in 2014.

It was in keeping with the tradition of PM Modi wearing colourful turbans on every Independence Day since 2014. Last year, he chose a saffron headgear with red patterns and a long tail. With that, he wore a traditional kurta and a churidar, complemented by a blue jacket and a stole. Flamboyant and colourful turbans have been a regular feature in the prime minister's attire for Independence Day and Republic Day events. For the Independence Day celebrations in 2021, the prime minister sported a saffron and cream headgear with a long tail. He had paired the 'safa' with a half-sleeve kurta and a fitted churidar.

PM Modi wore a white scarf with a saffron border that he used to cover his mouth and nose in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. For his maiden Independence Day in 2014, he had opted for a bright red Jodhpuri bandhej turban. In 2015, Modi chose a yellow turban covered with multi-coloured criss-cross lines, and a tie-and-dye turban in hues of pink and yellow in 2016. The Prime Minister's turban for 2017 was a mix of bright red and yellow with crisscrossed golden lines all over. For his speech at the Red Fort in 2018, he had donned a saffron turban. PM Modi's speech this Independence Day is the last one before the 2014 general election.

Addressing countrymen from the ramparts of the Red Fort on 77th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday appealed for peace in strife-torn Manipur saying that people across the country stand with the people of the Northeast state.

"The whole country stands with the people of Manipur. Peace is the only way to resolve all disputes. The Centre and the Manipur government are making every effort to ensure that peace returns to the state at the earliest," PM Modi said.

He said the largest democracy was now leading the world in terms of population.

"This is a vast country with endless possibilities. 140 crore members of my family are celebrating Independence Day today," PM Modi added.

(With inputs from PTI and ANI)