Independent Candidates Adopt ‘Sapta-Rangi Shahi Pheta’ to Boost Visibility in Pune Civic Polls

Pune, 8th January 2026: As campaigning intensifies for the Pune municipal elections, independent candidates who missed out on party tickets are finding creative ways to remain visible on the crowded campaign trail. One such eye-catching innovation is the adoption of a distinctive ‘seven-coloured royal turban’, designed to symbolise neutrality and appeal to voters across political divides.

Known as the sapta-rangi shahi pheta, the turban blends seven different colours into a single design, deliberately avoiding association with any one political party. Candidates sporting the headgear say it represents inclusiveness and a willingness to engage with voters irrespective of party loyalty, making it a unique visual statement during door-to-door campaigning and public interactions.

Beyond its symbolic value, the turban has been crafted with functionality in mind. It is lightweight, ventilated, and comfortable enough to be worn throughout long campaign days, offering relief to candidates who spend hours canvassing neighbourhoods. The fusion of traditional royal aesthetics with modern comfort has quickly made it a talking point among voters.

Independent candidates, often constrained by limited funds and organisational support compared to major political parties, are increasingly turning to innovation to compensate for the lack of campaign machinery. Each custom-made turban reportedly costs between ₹7,000 and ₹8,000, reflecting the importance candidates are placing on visibility and personal branding.

Explaining the idea behind the design, Girish Murudkar of Murudkar Zende Pheta Wale, who created the headgear, said, “The candidate specifically wanted a seven-coloured royal turban. We spent two days designing something that looks regal yet remains light and comfortable for all-day use.”

With creative strategies like the sapta-rangi shahi pheta, independent candidates are attempting to carve a distinct identity in an election dominated by established parties — demonstrating that originality and symbolism can play a crucial role in voter engagement.