Traditional Attire Urged at Temples Across Maharashtra | Public Response Varies
Traditional Attire Urged at Temples Across Maharashtra | Public Response Varies
In a bid to maintain the sanctity and cultural essence of temple spaces, several temple trusts across Maharashtra are encouraging devotees to dress modestly while visiting places of worship. The move, though not legally binding, reflects a broader push toward preserving traditional Indian values within religious premises.
Recently, the Chinchwad Devasthan Trust issued an advisory recommending suitable dress codes for visitors to temples under its care. This includes prominent temples such as Morgaon and Theur in Pune, Siddhatek in Ahilyanagar, Morya Gosavi Sanjivan in Pimpri Chinchwad, and Khar Narangi in Raigad. According to the trust, the initiative is meant to uphold decorum, with devotees requested—though not required—to wear “appropriate” and modest clothing.
A Statewide Trend Emerges
This effort isn’t isolated. The move aligns with a growing trend across the state. The renowned Shree Siddhivinayak Ganpati Temple in Mumbai, which draws thousands of worshippers daily, including high-profile visitors, adopted a similar advisory earlier this year.
Going back to 2023, over 50 temples in Ratnagiri took proactive steps by putting up signs that advised devotees to avoid revealing clothes and instead opt for full, modest attire. These actions followed a series of meetings held by the Maharashtra Temple Federation, where trustees from various temples agreed to promote traditional Indian clothing on temple grounds.
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Likewise, in Ahilyanagar district, 16 temples have established guidelines that bar entry to visitors wearing jeans, shorts, skirts, or other Western outfits deemed inappropriate. Signboards placed outside these temples list unacceptable clothing and state that provocative or revealing garments will not be permitted.
Public Opinions Divided
Pune resident believes most devotees already dress respectfully and feels the guidelines are unnecessary unless they’re enforced with flexibility. “People often visit temples during vacations, so practicality matters. There’s nothing wrong with suggesting respectful attire, but it shouldn’t feel restrictive,” she said.
On the other hand, a devotee from Mumbai welcomed the initiative. “Temples are sacred places. It’s reasonable to expect visitors to avoid clothes like ripped jeans or t-shirts with inappropriate messages. A dress code helps maintain reverence,” she remarked.
