Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s choice of headwear for India’s 78th Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort exemplifies his preference for highlighting the country’s rich cultural variety through his wardrobe. The multi-colored Rajasthani leheriya print turban he wore, combined with a light blue Nehru jacket, white kurta, and churidar, not only created a stylish statement but also paid tribute to the country’s textile legacy.
Jaya Jaitly, curator of Indian handicrafts, says indianexpress.com that PM Modi ji prefers leheriya or bandhani turbans, most likely because the craft is created on light mulmul cloth and hence easy to tie.
Pooja Choudhary, founder of Lavanya The Label, says that the leheriya print, which originated in Rajasthan, dates back to the 17th century under Rajput kings. “Since I hail from Rajasthan, I have always been proud of this traditional art form as a reflection of the state’s vibrant cultural heritage.” She explains.
Leheriya, meaning ‘waves’ in Hindi, refers to the technique of creating wavy lines using resist dyeing. Initially, it was only worn by Marwari women, particularly during the monsoon season, to represent fertility and the expectation for abundant crops. However, over time, it became a vital part of our royal dress and festivities associated with Rajasthan, and hence an essential component of their traditional wardrobe.
According to Choudhary, the leheriya turban is more respected in Rajasthani culture than any other traditional practice since it represents respect for oneself and one’s roots. People traditionally wear it during key festivals, rituals, and weddings to express their social identity.
