Clad in Kurta-Pyjama, PM Modi Dons Multicoloured Leheriya Print Headgear for Independence Day

New Delhi: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi began addressing the nation from Red Fort on the occasion of 78th Independence Day on Thursday, he was seen clad in a traditional attire, showcasing the spirit of India culture.

Prime Minister Modi was seen wearing a white kurta-pyjama and donning multicoloured leheriya print headgear. For his 11th Independence Day speech, PM Modi accentuated his look with a light blue bandhgala jacket. 

In keeping up with the tradition of wearing colourful turbans on every Independence Day since 2014, Modi's headgear was a mix of orange, yellow and green colour with a long tail. Leheriya is a traditional style of textile tie dye which originated from Rajasthan. The leheriya designs are inspired by the natural wave patterns formed by the wind blowing across the desert sands of western Rajasthan.

PM Modi's 2023 Attire

Last year, the PM sported a Rajasthani bandhani print headgear with an off-white kurta and churidar, paired with a black V-neck jacket. The turban was a mix of yellow, green and red colour with a long tail. 

In the last decade starting 2014, the PM attracted eyeballs not just for his political charisma but also for the unique and symbolic headgear he wears during national festivals.

From traditional turbans to creative hats, each headgear has held cultural, regional, and political reference, symbolizing the diversity and unity of India.

Flamboyant and colourful turbans have regularly made comebacks for the Prime Minister's Independence Day and Republic Day speeches.

Modi hoisted the national flag for the 11th time in a row on Thursday on Independence Day -- the centrepiece annual event where he lays out his government's agenda, presents its report card, makes important policy and programme announcements and speaks about burning issues. Thereafter, he began his address from the ramparts of the Red Fort. 

PM Modi addressed a wide range of topics, including the Kerala landslide, terrorism, country economic growth etc.

His first Independence Day address in his third consecutive term will take him past Manmohan Singh, who hoisted the National Flag 10 times from the ramparts of Red Fort during 2004-2014 and place him behind Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, who did the honours 17 and 16 times, respectively. 

Ahead his address at Red Fort, PM Modi paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat on Thursday.