PM Modi’s saafa, EU president Ursula’s bandhgala turn heads at R-day parade
When it comes to national occasions like Republic Day and Independence Day, all eyes aren’t just on the parade but also on attires of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His choice of outfit, especially the turban, becomes talk of the town. And for India’s 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, the Prime Minister did not disappoint. Modi chose a deep maroon Rajasthani-style turban or saafa with zari motifs, highlighted with golden-yellow streaks, adding a note of cultural elegance to the solemn national ritual.
Chief Guest of the occasion, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, too draped herself in Indian traditional dress with a maroon-and-gold brocade bandhgala jacket paired with off-white trousers Modi’s richly embroidered headgear featured a long maroon-and-green flowing tail and was tightly wrapped with multi-coloured hues along the side. He paired it with a dark navy blue-and-white kurta-pyjama and a light blue half-jacket.
Modi is widely known for donning vibrant and colourful traditional headgear on national occasions, often symbolising royalty, cultural pride, and regional identity. His turbans are usually crafted in the bandhej style — a traditional tie-and-dye technique predominantly practised in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Uttar Pradesh — reflecting India’s rich textile heritage.
Over the years, Modi’s dressing style has attracted attention not only within the country but also internationally, earning him a reputation as one of the world’s most style-conscious leaders. His wardrobe typically blends tradition with modernity, featuring Indian kurtas, bandhgala jackets, and meticulously tailored suits, paired with distinctive headgear that often carries cultural or regional significance. It is generally observed that Modi’s sartorial choices go beyond aesthetics, often serving as a visual representation of India’s diversity and unity.
Each turban worn during Republic Day celebrations is seen as a subtle nod to a particular region or cultural tradition, reinforcing the idea of inclusive nationalism.For his maiden Independence Day as prime minister in 2014, Modi opted for a bright red Jodhpuri “bandhej” turban. In 2022, Modi chose a unique traditional cap from Uttarakhand for the Republic Day celebrations.
Ursula’s Republic Day attire too marked a notable departure from her usual style as she is widely recognised for her sharply tailored pantsuits at international summits and diplomatic engagements. Choosing a traditional Indian silhouette for the parade signalled more than fashion experimentation, it reflected cultural respect and an understanding of the occasion’s historical weight.
The structured bandhgala, with its regal undertones, aligned seamlessly with the ceremonial setting, while the restrained colour palette ensured elegance without excess. The look stood out for its balance: formal yet rooted, global yet unmistakably Indian. The fabric looked like Banarasi silk, a textile that’s basically woven history. The intricate zari work, gold threads forming dense, floral patterns, made it feel ornate but not overdone.
She kept her accessories minimal, opting for subtle gold stud earrings and a pair of beige heels to complete the look. The antique gold design, set against a deep maroon base, gave the outfit a regal finish, while the restrained styling kept it contemporary and elegant. In this context, the EU president’s outfit appeared thoughtfully aligned with the occasion, signalling cultural awareness and respect for Indian tradition.
