Visitors to Darjeeling’s famous Mahakal Temple will now have to follow a strict dress code. The Mahakal Temple Puja Committee and Welfare Society have announced that entry into the temple wearing short skirts or “inappropriate” clothing will no longer be permitted.
According to the committee, the decision has been taken to “protect the dignity and sanctity” of the religious site, which attracts large numbers of tourists and devotees throughout the year.
“This is a place of prayer, associated with people’s respect, faith, and emotions,” said Naveen Chhetri, a member of the Mahakal Temple Puja Committee, adding, “We want visitors to come in proper attire. If any tourist is unaware of the new rules, we will provide suitable clothes, which must be returned after the darshan.”
Committee members have been assigned to monitor the temple premises and ensure that the dress code is being followed. The rule came into effect earlier this week, and posters outlining the new dress code have been displayed at the temple’s entrance.
Visitors who arrive in short clothes can rent a churidar or ghagra from the temple’s donation counter at a nominal price. “Many people come wearing clothes that are too short and spoil the atmosphere of the temple. It looks indecent,” said temple vice president Madan Subba. “We discussed the matter thoroughly before implementing the rule.”
While the decision has sparked some debate, many locals and tourists have welcomed the move. Visitors from Kolkata and Siliguri said, “A temple is a holy place. It’s natural to have some restrictions on what people wear there.” Locals also believe the rule will help maintain discipline and preserve the temple’s spiritual environment.
The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has maintained neutrality on the issue. GTA spokesperson Shaktiprasad Sharma said, “The temple committee has taken this decision. There is nothing more to say about it.”
Meanwhile, Siliguri College professor Vidyawati Agarwal expressed support for the dress code. “We welcome the decision,” she said. “Every place has its own environment, and it is appropriate to wear clothes that suit it.”
Recently, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also visited the Mahakal Temple during her tour of the hills. Following her visit, she directed the arrangement of battery-powered vehicles for elderly and specially abled devotees. Acting on her suggestion, the temple committee has already purchased a vehicle that will soon offer rides for Rs 10–Rs 20 per person. Each vehicle will seat six people and operate on a separate route leading to the temple.
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