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Von der Leyen's Banarasi Brocade & Modi's Rajasthani Turban Steal Republic Day Spotlight

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made a powerful style statement at India's 77th Republic Day by wearing a burgundy and gold Banarasi brocade bandhgala jacket, a gesture widely appreciated as cultural respect. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, upholding his annual tradition, attended in a vibrant Rajasthani-style safa (turban) paired with a sky-blue Nehru jacket. The parade itself was a grand display of India's military strength and diverse cultural heritage at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. Both leaders' fashion choices highlighted the intersection of tradition, diplomacy, and national pride during the celebrations.

Key Points: EU Chief's Banarasi Jacket, PM Modi's Turban at Republic Day 2026

  • Von der Leyen's sartorial tribute to Indian heritage
  • PM Modi's culturally significant turban tradition
  • Republic Day parade showcases military and culture
  • Fashion as a form of cultural diplomacy
2 min read

EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen dons Banarasi brocade bandhgala at Republic Day celebrations, honouring Indian textiles

Ursula von der Leyen honored Indian textiles with a Banarasi brocade bandhgala, while PM Modi donned a colorful Rajasthani safa at the Republic Day parade.

"It is the honour of a lifetime to be Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations. - Ursula von der Leyen"

New Delhi, January 26

At India's Republic Day 2026 parade in the national capital, where celebrations met a patriotic spirit, with tradition walking hand-in-hand, fashion also emerged as a quiet yet powerful form of diplomacy. Among the chief guests in attendance, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen made a striking statement by donning a Banarasi brocade bandhgala jacket, subtly offering a sartorial tribute to India's rich textile heritage.

In a vibrant shade of burgundy and gold, along with its clean lines and regal silhouette, she combined the bandhgala jacket with white trousers.

By wearing Indian brocade at India's 77th Republic Day celebrations, von der Leyen embraced fashion as a cultural respect - a gesture that deeply resonated with many across social media platforms, as citizens praised her choice of attire for the occasion.

Taking to her X handle, Ursula von der Leyen shared her thoughts on being a part of the celebrations in India. "It is the honour of a lifetime to be Chief Guests at the Republic Day celebrations. A successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure. And we all benefit," she wrote.

India's 77th Republic Day parade concluded on Monday after a spectacular showcase of the country's military might and diverse culture at Kartavya Path.

After the parade and after seeing off the President and the visiting foreign dignitaries, Prime Minister Modi kept with his custom of walking along the Kartavya Path.

He was seen waving to the spectators who had gathered to witness the Republic Day parade.

PM Modi, whose sartorial choices also stir headlines, arrived in his own signature style, wearing a striking traditional outfit.

For Republic Day 2026, PM Modi chose a richly colored Rajasthani-style safa, also known as a "pagdi," with shades of deep red, mustard yellow, and green, tied high with a fan-like crest. With the turban, he paired a light sky-blue Nehru jacket over a dark navy kurta. Completing the look were white churidar-style trousers, and he paired the attire with traditional black formal shoes.

Every year, PM Modi's Republic Day outfit gets people talking, with his turbans always drawing the most attention. Over the years, he has worn turbans and caps from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and other states, each carrying cultural meaning.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Fashion diplomacy at its best! This is a win for our weavers and artisans. Hope this inspires more people globally to appreciate the craftsmanship behind Banarasi silk. PM Modi's Rajasthani safa was also looking very regal. Jai Hind!
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Rohit P
While I appreciate the gesture, I wish our media would focus a bit less on outfits and more on the substance of the diplomatic talks. What agreements were signed? What does "a successful India" mean for EU-India relations? The clothes are nice, but let's talk policy too.
S
Sarah B
As someone visiting India often for work, I love seeing this. The bandhgala looked stunning on her. It's a sophisticated way to bridge cultures. The parade itself sounds incredible – the mix of military precision and cultural diversity is uniquely Indian.
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Karthik V
PM Modi's turban game is always strong! Every year he represents a different state's heritage. This year Rajasthan, next year maybe from the Northeast? It's a great way to showcase India's unity in diversity. Von der Leyen's outfit was a classy add-on to the celebrations.
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Meera T
My mother is a weaver from Varanasi. Seeing the EU Commission Chief in Banarasi brocade on such a big platform fills my heart with pride. This kind of visibility is so important for our local artisans. Hope it leads to more international orders for them! 🙏

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