Ayodhya priests adopt light yellow silk dhotis and uttariyas
Priests at Ayodhya's Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple just switched up their look: they'll now wear light-yellow silk dhotis and matching uttariyas, a nod to the Ramanandi tradition.
The new dress code kicked in on August 15, after the temple trust's religious committee member Mithilesh Nandini Sharan said the attire has been prescribed in accordance with the Ramanandi tradition.
Ayodhya trust prescribes grooming and uniform
The color was chosen because it's believed to be Lord Ram's favorite, and silk stands for purity.
The committee said the uniform attire would bring greater discipline, uniformity and religious dignity to the worship and service of Ram Lalla.
There are also new grooming rules: priests must either follow the Panchkesh tradition or stay clean-shaven, with a Ramanandi tilak now required for everyone.
The goal? To keep things respectful and consistent during worship at the temple.