New Delhi: On the occasion of the 76th Republic Day celebrations in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi again showed his love for colourful headgear after he chose a vibrant red and yellow striped “safa” (turban with a long veil). The prime minister paired the striking turban with a brown bandhgala jacket, completing the look with a white kurta-pyjama. The “safa” is a regular feature in PM Modi’s Republic Day and Independence Day appearances.
PM Modi’s choice of a turban is not just a fashion statement but a tribute to India’s rich cultural heritage. Last year, he donned a multi-coloured “bandhani” print safa, a tie-dye textile popular in Gujarat and Rajasthan. In previous years, Modi has worn a range of vibrant turbans, from a multi-coloured Rajasthani-style turban in 2023 to a saffron turban in 2018. In 2022, he wore a traditional cap from Uttarakhand, decorated with a Brahma Kamal-inspired brooch, Uttarakhand’s state flower.
PM visits National War Memorial
Before the Republic Day celebrations began, Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial. The prime minister laid a wreath at the memorial, accompanied by the chief of defence staff and the three service chiefs. Defence minister Rajnath Singh was present to receive the prime minister.
The ceremonial tribute included the ‘Salami Shastra’, followed by a two-minute silence in honour of the soldiers, after which the ‘Rouse’ was sounded to signify the end of the remembrance. The PM also signed the visitors’ book before heading to the saluting dais at the Kartavya Path.
The National War Memorial is dedicated to Indian soldiers who lost their lives during various wars and peacekeeping missions. It was inaugurated in 2019. The memorial’s four concentric circles — the ‘Amar Chakra’, ‘Veerta Chakra’, ‘Tyag Chakra’, and ‘Rakshak Chakra’ — list the names of 25,942 soldiers. It also features a 15.5m obelisk, an eternal flame, and six bronze murals depicting India’s military history.
