The Shri Jagannath temple in Puri, India, has implemented a dress code for devotees entering the temple. The decision was made during a meeting of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and the servitors. The dress code will be strictly enforced starting January 1, 2024.
Concerns about the devotees' lack of decency in their attire led to the decision to enforce a dress code. Many visitors to the temple are seen wearing ripped jeans, half pants, and sleeveless shirts, which is seen as disrespectful and brings disrepute to the temple.
The SJTA Chief Administrator, Ranjan Kumar Das, stated that the temple administration will request devotees to wear decent attire while entering the temple. Minors below 12 years of age will be allowed to wear half pants, but those above 12 years will be urged not to wear sleeveless dresses, distressed jeans, bermuda shorts, or other similar "indecent" attire.
Das emphasised that the temple is a religious place and not a park or a beach, and that every religion has specific rules regarding dressing. The aim is to maintain the dignity of the holy place and show respect to the Lords.
To raise awareness about the dress code, the temple administration and servitors will start educating devotees from Tuesday until the formal enforcement of the dress code on January 1, 2024. The servitors and Jagannath temple police will also keep a watch on devotees at the entry gates to ensure compliance with the dress code.
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