Mumbadevi Temple to Introduce Dress Code Following Siddhivinayak’s Lead | GPlus/ Vijay Gohil
Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai’s most visited Hindu temple at Prabhadevi, has announced a dress code, which bars devotees from wearing certain attire, including ripped denim clothing and bermudas. This is not the first time the temple trust has called for a code. But this time around it is keen on introducing certain norms for dressing to be followed by devotees who come in their thousands daily.
The code was announced at a press conference held by the temple trust on January 28 to release the list of cultural and religious programmes for the annual Maghi Utsav held at the temple between January 30 and February 4.
While torn or ripped denim clothing and body-revealing outfits have been specifically banned, devotees have been advised to follow Indian cultural norms in their attire.
The GPlus spoke to Dr Sandeep Rathod, deputy executive officer of the temple trust on the dress code and the reasons for the new rules.
Excerpts from an interview:
Why did the temple trust come up with the idea of a dress code for devotees?
Our trust has been observing (the casual attire worn by some devotees) for quite some time. When we had a meeting of the trustees on January 16, we had a discussion on this issue. When we go for a religious ritual or have a puja at home we take care to wear appropriate clothes. We thought why not implement a dress code at the temple to ensure its sanctity. In short, we want devotees to wear what we believe is proper clothing for a temple visit.
Are there any specific clothing that you want devotees to wear?
There will be no compulsion on women to wear a saree or salwar kameez. They can wear any clothes. But certainly do not want devotees to come wearing bermudas and torn jeans.
The temple trust has said that devotees should wear clothes that reflect Indian culture. But then a saree can be worn with a low-cut blouse to reveal the back or the midriff. Can you argue that this is not obscene?
Haha. This is just the start of a good thing. There are a lot of possibilities. We are just trying to start a good thing. Initially, we will not be so harsh on devotees. We are organising some alternatives for devotees who may not be aware of the dress code.
What will those arrangements be?
We are working on it. These measures will be for devotees who may not be aware of the new rules.
Will these include stalls that provide clothes on hire like some temples in south India?
Maybe.
How will devotees be monitored for their attire? Will they be turned away at the security gates? Or, will you have special staff in the temple premises to identify devotees who break the dress code?
We have not decided how it will be done. The rule will be implemented gradually. We do not want devotees to be panicked by the dress code.
Around two decades ago the temple had put up boards prohibiting short dresses and body-revealing clothes. What happened to that?
I do not know about the previous ban. I do not know why it was not implemented.
