Kerala's Temples to Rethink Attire Norm: A Step Toward Social Reform

Kerala's Devaswom Board plans to end the tradition of male devotees removing their upper attire when entering temples. This decision follows Swami Satchidananda's call for abolition, highlighting it as a social evil. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan endorsed this move, marking a significant step in societal reform.

The Devaswom Board in Kerala is preparing to abolish the long-standing practice requiring male devotees to remove their upper attire before temple entry, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated on Wednesday.

This initiative follows Swami Satchidananda's remarks, head of Sivagiri Mutt, who labeled the practice a social evil during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage conference.

The Chief Minister, endorsing the monk's call, sees this as a vital step in societal reform. Devaswom Board representatives have begun discussions, although the specific board involved remains unspecified.

(With inputs from agencies.)