41/100
Thirteen years ago when I joined my husband at his unit in Jamnagar, I realised its not just the men who wear the uniform, but their wives too follow some unsaid and unwritten rules as far as dressing up for various occasions is concerned. Saree is the unofficial uniform for most of the functions for all of us wedded to the Olive Green. Coming from a totally civil background, it was a tough task first to come to terms with a hectic yet fun social life and secondly the art of being absolutely on time for all the dos and thirdly to pick up the right saree for all the different occasions.
Soon after my marriage, I was told that the unit’s raising day celebrations were coming up soon which is usually a three to four day long celebration with at least three functions daily. Dress code. ..Saree obviously.
I was rather excited at the prospect of being able to flaunt my new collection. But once the “patti parade” (It is a kind of punishmrnt Army officers go tjrough during their training in which they have to wear all their uniforms one after another in a small time bracket) started when I had to change into another saree in just fifteen minutes or so …it seemed quite daunting.
But thanks to the fauji training I now take under five minutes to get draped in the six yards if required and need just that one safety pin to hold it up.
Here’s to all the stylish army wives and their ever growing stash of gorgeous sarees.
The saree is a mehendi green cotton with black and maroon zig zag stripes and a border of golden leaf motifs picked up yet again from Nallis in Delhi.
Pic courtesy: Daughter dear
Location: Cafe Olive