Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Law Commission has recommended amendments to the Shri Jagannath Temple Act, 1955 to introduce a formal dress code for devotees visiting the Jagannath Temple.
As per the proposal, women may be restricted from wearing jeans or trousers inside the temple premises, while traditional attire has been suggested for male devotees. Male pilgrims are advised to wear dhoti-kurta or similar traditional outfits.
The recommendations also extend to temple servitors and priests, mandating traditional dress while on duty. For female devotees, the commission has suggested sarees or salwar-kameez for those above 10 years of age, while younger girls may wear gowns or frocks.
In addition to dress regulations, the commission has proposed stricter legal provisions to address encroachment of temple property and to impose penalties for misconduct by servitors.
The recommendations are currently advisory in nature and will require government consideration and legislative action before any implementation.
-OdishaAge
