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Dress code for devotees at Ganpatipule Temple from 1 January 2027

Ratnagiri, Maharashtra – A dress code (vastrasamhita) will be made mandatory for devotees from 1 January 2027 at the famous pilgrimage centre of Shridev Ganpati Temple in Ganpatipule. Nilesh Kolhatkar, Chairman of the ‘Sansthan Shridev Ganpatipule’ Temple Trust, announced that this decision was taken with the objective of preserving the sanctity, traditions, and culture of the temple.

New dress code rules at Ganpatipule Temple

Speaking on the implementation, Trust Chairman Nilesh Kolhatkar noted:

  • An initial trial of this dress code was introduced at the temple last year; however, several devotees expressed dissatisfaction, noting they were unaware of the new guidelines. To address these difficulties and eliminate any confusion, a comprehensive public awareness campaign was conducted over recent months. Following this outreach, the rules will now be strictly enforced starting 1 January 2027.
  • Under the updated regulations, devotees wearing attire above the knee, including shorts or short skirts, will be denied entry to the temple. This rule applies equally to both men and women. Young children under 10 years of age are exempt from this requirement. Devotees wearing skirts or trousers that extend below the knee will be allowed darshan without hindrance.
  • While casual clothing is understandable for young children, discerning adults should maintain proper decorum when visiting a temple. Preserving the sanctity, ancient culture, and cherished traditions of the temple is a shared duty, and the trust appeals to all devotees to wear modest, appropriate attire and extend their full cooperation upon entry.
  • Around 25 lakh devotees visit Ganpatipule every year for darshan. On average, around 1,000 devotees visit the temple daily, whilst on the days of Sankashti and Vinayaki Chaturthi, this figure increases fivefold. To assist visiting devotees, adequate arrangements for meals (annachhatra) and accommodation have been made available by the Devasthan Trust.
Editorial Perspective
The Ganpatipule Temple Trust deserves appreciation for proactively raising awareness among devotees and enforcing a strict dress code, thus ensuring that the sanctity and cultural traditions of the temple are upheld.
— Editor, HJS

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