Odisha Proposes Stricter Dress Code for Women at Puri Jagannath Temple
Odisha panel proposes ban on jeans, shirts for women at Puri Jagannath Temple
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
The Odisha State Law Commission has proposed amendments to the Sri Jagannath Temple Act to enforce a stricter dress code at the Puri Jagannath Temple, banning women from wearing shirts and jeans. The proposal aims to provide legal support for existing guidelines and preserve the temple's sanctity.
- 01The proposed amendment seeks to enforce a stricter dress code for women at Puri Jagannath Temple.
- 02Women above 10 years would be required to wear sarees or salwar-kameez, while younger girls can wear frocks.
- 03The proposal aims to provide legal backing to earlier guidelines introduced in January 2024.
- 04Male devotees would be allowed to wear traditional attire or formal shirts and trousers.
- 05The recommendations are under consideration, with ongoing consultations before any changes are made.
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The Odisha State Law Commission has recommended amending the Sri Jagannath Temple Act to implement a stricter dress code at the historic Puri Jagannath Temple in Odisha, India. The proposal, currently under review by the state government, aims to prohibit women from entering the temple while wearing shirts and jeans or similar western attire. Instead, women aged 10 and older would be expected to dress in sarees, blouses, or salwar-kameez, while younger girls could wear frocks or gowns. Male devotees would still be permitted to wear traditional attire such as dhoti and kurta or formal shirts and trousers. This amendment seeks to provide legal backing to guidelines introduced in January 2024 that faced enforcement challenges due to the lack of statutory support. The temple administration emphasizes that the objective is to maintain the temple's sanctity and dignity. Similar dress codes have been implemented at various temples across India, reflecting a trend towards regulating attire in religious spaces. The recommendations are currently under consideration, with consultations ongoing before any formal changes are enacted.
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This proposed dress code could affect women visiting the Puri Jagannath Temple, altering their choices for attire while visiting a significant religious site.
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