SJTA Decides To Enforce Dress Code In Puri Jagannath Temple From Next Year

Puri: Following objection from different quarters, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in Odisha’s Puri has decided to strictly enforce dress code for devotees from January 1, 2024.

The decision was taken at a meeting of SJTA with the servitors of Jagannath temple on the issue of dress code in Puri on Monday.

Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Ranjan Kumar Das, chief administrator of SJTA said they have been receiving complaints about the devotees, wearing indecent dresses, coming to the temple. It was belittling the sanctity of the temple.

“Our temple is a holy place. People from around the world come here with devotion and religious belief. It is our responsibility to maintain the dignity that the temple it holds in the hearts of millions of devotees. Unfortunately, some visitors have been found visiting the temple without caring the religious sentiments of others,” Das said.

“Some devotees are coming to temple wearing tattered and torn jean pants, sleeveless dresses or half pants as if they are strolling in sea beach or park. The temple is abode of Gods, not a place for entertainment,” he added.

He further said the temple administration would promote awareness about the dress code among the devotees from Tuesday. “The dress code will be strictly enforced inside the temple from January 1, 2024. JTP personnel deployed at Singhadwar (Lions Gate) of the temple and Pratihari servitors inside the temple have been assigned the responsibility to enforce the code. We will not be strict for minors up to 12 years. All above 12 years should wear decent clothes covering their bodies completely,” he added.

On the dress code, he said people wearing half plants, shorts, torn jeans, skirts and sleeveless dresses will not be allowed entry into the temple. Decent dresses reflecting the dignity of the temple and religious sentiments of the devotees will be ensured during the checking, he added.