After white saree diktat for convocation, BHU now allows white salwar-kameez

The BHU administration, which for the first time in its history has decided to allow only Indian traditional dress during its 97th convocation on April 26, has relaxed the dress code for women graduates owing to non-availability of the saree it had initially chosen.

The graduates can now wear white salwar-kameez, if they could not get a white saree with a red border — the official dress initially allowed by BHU. “The decision was taken after many graduates informed the administration about unavailability of the saree-blouse combination. So, the official dress code remains the same, but those who cannot arrange for it may also wear white salwar-kameez. No other relaxation will be allowed,” said a BHU spokesperson.

According to the official BHU notification, women graduates were to wear white sari with red border along with a red blouse. This was to be combined with an ‘uttariya’ displaying the emblem of BHU, as well as a pink-coloured turban. The men are supposed to wear white kurta-dhoti or pyjama. Earlier, the Academic Council of BHU had decided to introduce “traditional Indian dress as part of the dress code for the convocation”.

“The tradition of wearing gown at the BHU convocation was being followed since British times. It was felt that since BHU represents not only the Indian essence, but also was set up to boost Indian identity in British times, the dress code too should be Indian,” said the spokesperson.

Source:: Indian Express