Puri: In a bid to promote an ambiance of spirituality and devotion in Puri Srimandir, the Shree Jagannath temple Administration (SJTA) has appealed to the devotees to dress appropriately while visiting temple.
The new norms will be effective from January 1, 2024. Devotees will be made aware regarding the new rules from Tuesday, a servitor said.
The JTP (Jagannath Temple police) and Pratihari servitors will examine the dress quality of the devotees at the entrance. Anyone found violating the norms will be barred from entering the shrine, he added.
SJTA chief administrator Ranjan Dash said “It is often observed that most of the devotees are visiting the temple wearing modern dresses, which affect the spiritual sanctity of the shrine. So, it is unanimously decided to implement proper dress norms for the devotees. They should come to the temple wearing clothes modestly. Sleeveless shirt, faded and ribbed jeans will not be allowed. We will make people aware regarding this from tomorrow.”
However, children below 12 years of age are allowed to wear half pant, he added.
People have the absolute freedom to wear dress of their choices while visiting sea beach and parks. But, decent dress is required for offering prayers in the shrine, Dash pointed out.
There is strict dress code in religious places across the country, he said.