Siddhivinayak Temple Dress Code: What Devotees Must Wear And What’s Strictly Not Allowed

Mumbai's famous Siddhivinayak Temple has issued a new dress code for devotees, restricting short skirts and revealing clothing. The Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple Trust (SSGTT) announced the decision on Tuesday, stating that visitors must wear modest clothing, preferably Indian attire, according to a report by news agency PTI.

The dress code will take effect next week. Devotees wearing inappropriate clothing, including trousers with cuts or torn fabric, short skirts, or attire that exposes body parts, will not be permitted inside the temple, located in the Prabhadevi area, the Trust stated.

Photo Credit: PTI

Why Is The Dress Code Being Introduced?

The temple trust said that the decision was made in response to several complaints from devotees regarding inappropriate clothing. Many visitors expressed discomfort over the attire worn by some individuals inside the temple premises.

Pawan Tripathi, the treasurer of the Trust, told Mid-Day.com, "We have received complaints from devotees about the clothing choices of some visitors. They believe there should be restrictions on attire inside the temple. Devotees are expected to follow the guidelines set by the temple trust."

Tripathi further noted that many temples across India have introduced dress codes in recent times, sparking discussions about appropriate attire at religious sites.

Additionally, the Trust highlighted that the Siddhivinayak Temple welcomes thousands of devotees daily from across the country. Many of them have voiced concerns that certain outfits are disrespectful to the sanctity of the temple.

However, the SSGTT clarified that the dress code aims to maintain decorum and ensure a comfortable experience for all visitors.

Plastic Bags Banned

Alongside the dress code, the temple has also decided to discontinue the use of plastic bags for distributing 'prasad.' A trial initiative to use paper packets instead of plastic has already begun within the temple premises.

Dress Codes In Other Temples

In December last year, the Banke Bihari Temple administration in Vrindavan issued an appeal urging devotees to refrain from wearing half pants, mini skirts, night suits, torn jeans, or leather clothing while visiting the temple. The administration emphasized that temples are places of worship and not tourist attractions.

Banners placed along the street leading to the temple reminded devotees to dress modestly while visiting the holy site.

The implementation of dress codes at temples has continued to generate discussions on attire guidelines at religious places across India.