• Source:JND
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The Thakur Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan has urged visitors to dress modestly and avoid wearing "indecent clothes" on its premises, citing the need to maintain the sanctity of the religious site. The appeal, made through media channels, specifically discourages attire such as mini skirts, torn jeans, half pants and night suits.

Temple authorities stated that these clothing choices undermine the dignity of the temple, particularly during periods of high footfall, such as the New Year. Munish Sharma, the temple manager, stated that the initiative aims to "preserve the cultural dignity" of the temple. 

Munish Sharma noted instances of visitors, especially tourists, arriving in casual attire like jeans and t-shirts, which he said do not align with the temple's traditional values. "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," he said.

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The appeal comes as the temple prepares for a significant influx of devotees, with thousands visiting annually from India and abroad, particularly during occasions like Krishna Janmashtami and New Year.

This is the first time the Banke Bihari Temple has introduced such a dress code, though similar measures have been implemented in other temples in the Braj region. Last year, banners were displayed at various temples in the pilgrimage town, discouraging short or inappropriate clothing.

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Earlier this year, Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, also issued a guideline for visitors to dress modestly. Temple staff enforce a dress code banning shorts, ripped jeans and skirts to ensure compliance with "decent" attire standards.