'No half-pants, torn jeans': Vrindavan temple issues 'appropriate' dress code
What's the story
The Thakur Banke Bihari Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Vrindavan has appealed to its devotees to dress modestly while visiting the temple.
The authorities have specifically requested pilgrims to avoid wearing "indecent clothes" like mini skirts, torn jeans, shorts, and night suits on the premises.
The appeal comes ahead of the New Year celebrations when a surge in visitor numbers is expected.
Awareness initiative
Temple authorities launch awareness campaign
To spread this message, the temple authorities have put up banners across Vrindavan, especially on roads leading to the temple.
The initiative is aimed at "preserving the cultural dignity" of the temple and maintaining its "sanctity."
"We have seen instances where devotees, particularly from outside the region, arrive dressed in casual tourist attire like jeans and t-shirts. This is not following the temple's respect for tradition," said Munish Sharma, temple manager.
Cultural significance
Banke Bihari Temple: A revered site for devotees
The Banke Bihari Temple is an important religious site in Vrindavan, in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura district. It is dedicated to Banke Bihari, a combined form of Radha and Lord Krishna.
Thousands of devotees from India and abroad visit this revered site every year.
The guidelines issued by the Banke Bihari temple authority apply to both male and female devotees.