Bengaluru, Sep 10 (DHNS): As many as 25,000 pairs of the new uniform of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangha (RSS) have been sold across the state in the last three days.

In a first in its 91-year history, the RSS has replaced its traditional khaki shorts with dark brown trousers as the uniform. The khaki socks have also made way for the brown ones. However, the white shirt, belt, long black shoes, black cap and a bamboo stick will remain part of the uniform. Khadi cloth is used for the uniform. The decision to change the uniform was taken at the RSS’ Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha held at Nagpur, Maharashtra, earlier this year.

The new uniform has gone on sale in Bengaluru, Shivamogga, Mangaluru and Hubballi on September 6. The trousers are priced at Rs 275 onwards depending on the size.

As many as 5,000 new uniforms have been sold in the organisation’s official outlet at Chamarajpet 5th Main in Bengaluru. H S Nagaraj, incharge of uniform distribution in Karnataka, said that the new attire had been received well by the volunteers. “The pre-stitched uniforms are supplied from Jaipur. We have received stocks for various sizes,” he said.

The new uniform will be made mandatory for all official events of the organisation in October. RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat will sport the new uniform at the first major annual event of the organisation to be held on the Vijayadashami day (October 11) at the Reshimbag ground in Nagpur.

The volunteers have to wear the uniform compulsorily at the two main annual training camps of the organisation held during April and October and also during route marches. However, the attire is not mandatory at the Shakhas conducted by RSS Pracharaks (trainers).

The uniform for volunteers of the women’s wing of RSS - Rashtra Sevika Samiti - remains unchanged. The dress code is white saree with pink border for women and white chudidar with white dupatta having pink border for teenage girls.