On India’s 76th Republic Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attire stood as a powerful tribute to the country’s deep-rooted textile heritage. As he marked the significant occasion, the Prime Minister wore a red and yellow Bandhej ‘safa’ (turban), a striking garment that immediately caught attention. The vibrant hues of the turban were not only visually captivating but also carried profound symbolic significance, reflecting India’s rich history and diverse cultural practices.
The Bandhej turban, with its intricate tie-dye patterns, is a traditional textile craft from the western regions of India, especially Rajasthan and Gujarat. Known for its skillful use of colors and designs, Bandhej (also called Bandhani) has been a hallmark of Indian textiles for centuries. With its bright red and yellow shades, Prime Minister Modi’s turban symbolized the country’s vibrant spirit and unity in diversity. The long tail of the turban, which gracefully draped down his shoulder, added an elegant touch to the look, further reinforcing the connection between traditional Indian attire and the ceremonial significance of Republic Day.
By wearing this turban, Prime Minister Modi paid homage to the countless artisans who continue to keep India’s textile traditions alive. The Bandhej craft, primarily woven by skilled artisans, is known for its painstaking techniques of dyeing, knotting, and tying fabric to create distinct, colorful patterns. The turban’s colors also held cultural importance, with red symbolizing strength and courage, while yellow often represents knowledge and wisdom. Modi’s attire conveyed these values, aligning perfectly with the occasion’s theme of celebrating India’s sovereignty and progress.
Throughout his tenure, Prime Minister Modi has consistently used his appearances on Republic Day and Independence Day as an opportunity to showcase India’s diverse textile heritage. Whether through the handwoven kurtas he wears or the specially selected attire for these national events, Modi’s choice of clothing speaks volumes about the nation’s cultural richness. His choices often serve as a canvas to highlight regional textiles, giving them global visibility and encouraging the preservation of traditional crafts. In previous years, he has donned khadi, a fabric associated with Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of self-reliance, and handwoven fabrics from various states across India, drawing attention to the unique stories behind each piece.
In 2025, Modi’s red and yellow Bandhej turban further solidified this approach, sending a clear message about the importance of supporting and promoting India’s local crafts and industries. In an era of fast fashion and mass-produced textiles, such conscious choices made by national leaders emphasize the significance of maintaining cultural identities while also promoting sustainability. It is a gentle reminder to the citizens of India to reconnect with their roots and take pride in the artistic ingenuity that has flourished for generations.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister’s attention to detail in his outfit also reflected India’s ongoing efforts to uplift its textile industry. Over the years, the government has introduced several initiatives aimed at reviving and modernizing traditional textile crafts. From encouraging the use of handloom products to supporting small artisans through various schemes, these steps ensure that India’s textile industry continues to thrive, both domestically and internationally.
The red and yellow pagdi worn by Prime Minister Modi on Republic Day was not just a beautiful piece of clothing but also a statement that brought attention to the nation’s cultural legacy. By choosing this iconic garment, Modi honored the generations of artisans who have contributed to India’s flourishing textile traditions. As India continues its journey of growth and development, the Prime Minister’s attire serves as a constant reminder of the importance of nurturing the country’s heritage while embracing its future.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sartorial choice on Republic Day also resonated with the larger national narrative of celebrating indigenous art forms and crafts. India’s textiles have long been a source of pride and identity, with each region offering a unique contribution to the broader fabric of the nation’s cultural heritage. Modi’s choice to wear the Bandhej turban for this significant occasion reinforced the idea that Indian textiles are not just functional, but also deeply symbolic, carrying with them centuries of tradition and skill passed down through generations.
The Bandhej turban is not just a fashion statement but a reflection of India’s ability to blend its past with the present. As the turban became a focal point of Modi’s attire, it also became an emblem of the modern India’s efforts to preserve and promote its ancient arts. In an era of global connectivity and fast-paced trends, traditional Indian crafts like Bandhej stand as beacons of the nation’s resilience in maintaining its identity, proving that cultural heritage can coexist with contemporary ideals.
This emphasis on textiles and craftsmanship aligns with India’s growing global influence and the increasing recognition of its rich artistic traditions. As global markets begin to recognize the value of sustainable and ethically sourced products, India’s textile industry, with its diverse and time-honored methods, is well-positioned to become a leader in promoting these practices. Modi’s choice to wear the Bandhej turban on Republic Day served as a visual reminder that India’s textile industry can be both a cultural treasure and an economic powerhouse, with untapped potential in the global marketplace.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi’s choice of attire on such a high-profile day also subtly champions the ideals of self-reliance and empowerment. By promoting indigenous crafts, he reinforces the message of “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” or self-reliant India. This call for national empowerment extends beyond the textile industry and is deeply rooted in India’s efforts to boost domestic manufacturing, create jobs, and promote sustainability. By wearing locally crafted textiles, Modi serves as a role model, demonstrating how individuals in positions of influence can support and uplift local artisans and businesses.
The impact of Modi’s red and yellow Bandhej turban can also be seen in how it draws attention to the intersection of fashion, culture, and politics. In a world where international fashion trends often dominate, the Prime Minister’s choice to wear a traditional, handcrafted piece at such an important national event reminds the world of the importance of homegrown talent. The turban’s design, meticulously created by artisans, reinforces the point that traditional Indian crafts are not relics of the past but vibrant and relevant expressions of modern India.
As the years pass, the tradition of celebrating India’s textile heritage on occasions like Republic Day and Independence Day will likely continue to grow. These events offer a unique opportunity for the nation to display its cultural pride on a global stage, while also offering support to the diverse artisans and craft industries that are integral to India’s identity. Whether it’s through the promotion of khadi, Bandhej, or other regional fabrics, the symbolic power of these choices can leave a lasting impact on India’s cultural and economic landscape.