Banke Bihari Temple enforces dress code amid New Year rush, bans mini skirts and half-pants

Ahead of the anticipated New Year influx, the iconic Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan has urged visitors to adhere to a dress code promoting modest clothing. Temple authorities have specifically advised against wearing half-pants, mini skirts, ripped jeans, nightwear, leather belts, or any attire considered inappropriate for a place of worship.

Banners and announcements have been strategically placed throughout the city, especially along routes leading to the temple, to spread awareness about the new guidelines. According to temple manager Munish Sharma, the initiative aims to uphold the cultural sanctity of the temple and remind visitors that it is a sacred space rather than a tourist destination.

“We’ve noticed an increase in visitors arriving in casual tourist outfits, such as jeans and t-shirts, which do not align with the traditional values respected within the temple premises,” Sharma said. He emphasized that the appeal is not meant to impose restrictions but to encourage decorum and reverence.

The Thakur Banke Bihari temple is a revered site that draws thousands of devotees annually, including international tourists. With events like Krishna Janmashtami and New Year attracting especially large crowds, maintaining decorum has become essential, according to temple authorities.

This dress code initiative follows a broader trend observed in temples across India, where religious institutions have started implementing guidelines to preserve cultural traditions. In states like Goa and Madhya Pradesh, similar measures have been introduced to maintain the sanctity of temples.

Temple officials have clarified that while there is no strict enforcement mechanism, visitors are expected to respect the guidelines and dress appropriately. The appeal has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising the effort to maintain traditions and others questioning its necessity in a modern, diverse society.