Tumakuru artisan’s handcrafted turban adorns PM Modi during Udupi visit

Udupi : Two days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Udupi, a specially crafted turban made by Tumakuru-based artisan Usha Bhaskar was initially said to be unnecessary. However, in a surprising turn of events, the same turban was finally chosen by the Paryaya seer and was placed on the Prime Minister’s head, bringing immense joy to its creator.

The Sri Krishna Matha and Paryaya Puttige Matha had arranged a grand welcome for Prime Minister Modi during the Laksha Kantha Gita Parayana event. For this occasion, several turbans had been sourced from different places.

Meanwhile, a friend from Tumakuru had requested Usha Bhaskar to prepare a unique, decorative turban and share its picture in advance. Despite her efforts, Usha received information that the Tumakuru-made turban might not be used for the event, leaving her disappointed.

During the selection of turbans at the Puttige Matha, Paryaya seer Sri Sugunendra Teertha examined multiple options. Among them, he chose the beautifully crafted turban made by Usha Bhaskar. This very turban, adorned with a striking peacock feather arrangement, was later placed on the Prime Minister’s head during Friday’s ceremony.

Usha, who was watching the program on television, was stunned and overjoyed to see Modi wearing the turban she had crafted. She had sent one main peacock feather along with a few extra ones; eventually, two additional feathers were also added to the final design.

The turban was meticulously prepared with lace borders, finely selected beads, and pearls, including special pearls brought from the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Usha spent hours perfecting the design until she felt fully satisfied with the craftsmanship. The total cost of making the turban was around ₹4,000—but the priceless moment came when it adorned the Prime Minister.

Usha Bhaskar, who lives in Chikkapete, Tumakuru, works alongside her husband, who is involved in gold and silver work. With a passion for drawing, she is skilled in coconut carving, wedding decorations, and saree border embroidery. Speaking to reporters she expressed deep gratitude: “It is a blessing and a matter of great pride that the turban I made was worn by Prime Minister Modi.”

What began as an uncertain effort turned into a moment of national pride for a small-town artist whose dedication and talent finally received the spotlight it deserved.

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