PM Modi continues 'saafa' tradition; sports a saffron and off-white headgear during I-Day address
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The off-white saafa with broad streak of orange had a long tail, imparting the prime minister a royal look for the I-Day ceremony.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday continued with the tradition of sporting bright-coloured turbans for his Independence Day speeches, and chose a saffron and cream headgear for the second I-Day address of his second term, and seventh consecutive address from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
The off-white saafa with broad streak of orange had a long tail, imparting the prime minister a royal look for the I-Day ceremony.
The prime minister paired the 'saafa' with a half-sleeve kurta and a fitted churidar. He also wore a white scarf with a saffron border that he used to cover his mouth and nose in view of the coronavirus pandemic.
Last year, PM Modi sported a multi-coloured turban as he gave his sixth Independence Day speech after returning to power for a second term with a thumping majority.
For his maiden Independence Day in 2014, he had opted for a bright red Jodhpuri bandhej turban with green at the tail. In 2015, he 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 criss-crossed golden lines all over. He donned a saffron turban for his appearance at the Red Fort in 2018.
From a bright red bandhani turban from Kutch to a mustard Rajasthani 'safa', Modi's eye-catching turbans have been a highlight of his Republic Day appearances too.
Known otherwise to witness a bustling crowd, the annual grand Independence Day event at the Red Fort was scaled down this year in keeping with prescribed safety protocols to contain the spread of COVID-19 that has wreaked havoc across the world.
(with inputs from agencies)