No religious markers, makeup or deodorants: What the Indian Army’s dress code says | News Explained

What do military rules and regulations say about wearing religious items under uniforms?

The regulations clearly state “No unauthorized ornament or emblem may be worn with the uniform,” but the signet ring is permitted. Watch chains and trinkets may not be worn with the uniform in a manner in which they are visible.

The military dress code specifically states that chains or sacred threads may not be worn around the neck. If worn, they must be suitably concealed so as not to be visible.

The section in the rules on ‘Wearing of Religious Ornaments or Symbols in Uniform’ states, “No personnel shall wear any kind of bangles while in uniform. A single sacred thread may be worn on the wrist (however, multiple threads are not permitted) on the day of pooja. ‘Kada’ may be worn only by Sikh Officers, JCOs, other ranks and non-Sikh Officers commanding Sikh Units. No tilak/vibhuti or any other symbol shall be worn/applied while in uniform.”

What restrictions apply to female staff?

As per the rules, married women can wear the mangalsutra around their necks invisibly over their uniform.

The regulations regarding make-up and cosmetics in uniform strictly prohibit lipstick and coloured nail polish. Bindis are also not allowed. Vermilion (sindoor) may be applied to the hair parting, only if it is not visible when wearing a beret/peaked cap.

“Female personnel wearing the uniform of the Indian Army shall not wear any cosmetics/make-up in any uniform. False eyelashes, eyeliner, kohl (kaajal) and application of face make-up are not permitted. Only clear nail polish/nail varnish is permitted. Face foundation which acts as a sunscreen may be applied conservatively and worn in the field/outdoors or operational areas. Application of henna (mehendi) on hands while in uniform, while on duty, is strictly prohibited,” the orders said.

What are the jewelry orders?

Personnel in uniform are prohibited from wearing any jewelry, with the exception of small earrings and engagement, wedding, eternity and signet rings.

For female personnel, only one set of earrings is permitted in the ears. The wearing of earrings is permitted in uniform, provided that one pair of decorative accessories (pearls or gemstones) with a diameter of no more than 5 mm is worn.

Nose piercing is permitted for female personnel, but earrings are not permitted while in uniform. A single earring of a neutral colour and no larger than 2.5 mm in diameter may be worn while wearing service attire. No “fancy” earrings, nose rings or “clip-on” earrings with visible metal shanks are permitted.

One engagement/wedding ring may be worn on the ring finger of the left hand. However, no ring should be worn on ceremonial parades when wearing ceremonial dress codes.

What other restrictions apply?

The use of any fragrances — deodorants, perfumes, etc. — is strictly prohibited for uniformed personnel. However, aftershave lotions may be used.

No watches or watch bands may be worn as they may pose a safety hazard. No brightly colored watches or watch bands are permitted. No pocket watches with visible chains are permitted. No member may wear a watch during a ceremonial parade, except for the senior soldier controlling the parade sequence.