Kurta-Pyjama To Find A Place In Navy As Mess Dress Code, Says Report

Earlier, the use of kurta-pyjamas for male personnel and guests was strictly prohibited in Navy messes.

Officers pose with the prescribed dress for Indian Navy mess premises. ( Image Source :X@Hardisohi )

The messes of the Indian Navy have now embraced the simple kurta-pyjama as formal attire. The move symbolises a break away from the Navy's norms that had been deeply rooted in the colonial era so far, according to a report by The Times Of India. This move reflects the Navy's commitment to embracing the nation's traditions and shedding colonial influences in military customs, as per the government's vision.

Strict Rules For Wearing Kurta Pyjama 

According to the TOI report, the Navy has issued strict directives while allowing officers and sailors to wear kurta-pyjamas on the mess premises. The ethnic ensemble can be paired with sleeveless jackets and closed formal shoes or sandals. The guidelines specify that the kurta should have a "solid tone" with cuffs at the sleeves, reaching just up to the knee. The accompanying narrow pyjamas should match or contrast with the trousers, featuring an elastic waistband and side pockets. Female officers have the option of choosing kurta-churidar or kurta-palazzo combinations.

It's important to note that these regulations are applicable only to informal or casual occasions within the messes and institutes and do not extend to warships or submarines.

A twitter user Manan Bhatt, who describes himself as a Navy veteran, shared a memorandum signed by 'Commodore Happy Mohan', which laid out the exact guidelines for wearing te 'Indian' dress for both men and women.

Now Kurta Pajama is an official dress that can be worn in Indian Navy Officers' Mess. It's another welcome step towards 'भारतीयकरण' of the 🇮🇳Indian Armed Forces and the IN is leading the way.
Pic courtesy: SM pic.twitter.com/P7A8DLo7QZ

— Manan Bhatt 🇮🇳 (@mananbhattnavy) February 13, 2024

Another Navy veteran Brigadier Hardeep Singh Sohi confirmed the development and shared a photo of the eased dress code. 

Previously, the use of kurta-pyjamas for male personnel and guests was strictly prohibited in Navy messes, as well as in the Army and the Air Force establishments in the country. The decision to adopt kurta-pyjamas was made during discussions at the naval commanders’ conference chaired by Admiral R Hari Kumar, reported TOI.

At the Naval Commanders Conference held in Delhi last year, the Ministry of Defence said that the ease regulations (then planned) were meant to enhance comfort and hygiene.

Unnecessary, Says Former Chief Admiral

While the Navy actively moves away from colonial-era practices in line with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of "freedom from slavery mentality", some veterans have expressed reservations. Former Chief Admiral Arun Prakash SAID, "It is unnecessary & in poor taste to harp on so-called 'Gulami ki Virasat' because it casts aspersions on post-Independence generations of patriotic Indian Navy personnel who have served the navy & nation, fought wars & shed blood."

Agree. It is unnecessary & in poor taste to harp on so called “ग़ुलामी की विरासत”, because it casts aspersions on post-independence generations of patriotic IN personnel who have served the navy & nation, fought wars & shed blood. https://t.co/ojdkFrGgMJ

— Arun Prakash (@arunp2810) December 31, 2023

In addition to the attire changes, the Navy is also undergoing the process of "Indianising" rank names for sailors, and senior officers are now adorned with epaulettes highlighting the "heritage and legacy" of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.