Durga temple to implement dress code from January 1

Vijayawada: The Kanaka Durga temple administration has formally taken a decision to implement the dress code for devotees from January 1. In fact, the Temple Trust Board passed a resolution towards dress code during its recent meeting. Now, the temple administration has fixed a date to implement the new dress code. As per the new guidelines, the women devotees should wear sari or chudidaar compulsory.

The Sri Durga Malleswara Swami temple assumed more significance for its proximity to AP’s capital city Amaravati. In this backdrop, the State government is keen to strengthen temple administration. Nearly 25,000 devotees visit the temple every day and it has an annual income of nearly Rs 200 crore. 

The State government has planned to develop the temple on all aspects. As part of it, the State government appointed an all India services officer as EO for temple administration. As part of it, IRS officer V Koteswaramma assumed charge as EO recently. She is making changes in the temple administration following the suggestions by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

As part of, she transferred majority of temple employees a few days ago. Now, she wants to introduce dress code for devotees also. With several temples in the country, implementing dress code, the Durga temple also following the norm. 

As per plans, the temple administration wants to request women devotees to wear traditional dress like sari and chudidaar while visiting the temple. Initially, the temple administration wants to request the devotees about dress code for creating awareness among them in the process of implementing the new rule. 

Later, the rule would be implemented as mandatory. The temple administration will implement the rule for women devotees who are above 10-year-old, temple EO V Koteswaramma said and added that they would request the devotees first in this regard. Speaking to The Hans India, she said that they want to create traditional atmosphere in the temple.