While it is common sense that one has to dress decently in places of worship one cannot expect people to do the right thing of their own accord.
It is the responsibility of the Directorate of Tourism to ensure the message gets to tourists before they go to such places. There are several ways to do this which the Directorate would know. Once people are already there, a tactful solution to the problem would be to stop inappropriately dressed people and offer a wrap-around garment for rent with a deposit, as a requirement for entry. That way the people get to see what they have come for, respect is maintained and the message conveyed to all. I remember two incidents back in the day. The first was at the Catholic Gymkhana, a premier club in Bombay where Christmas and New Year dances were de rigeur for socially inclined Goans. I was in a group of friends of whom one had just come from Ratlam directly to the venue. He had no jacket on and they were checking at the gate. So we went in and told him to remain outside. Once inside, I took off my jacket and sent someone with it for the waiting friend, who was then able to enter. Inside, there was no checking. The other incident was at a Taj Mahal restaurant (don't remember the name). We were in a group and I had no jacket, just a tie. When I was held back, the group decided we should go elsewhere. Quickly, the greeter went to a side room and returned with a jacket for me to don. We had a good evening after that. Our money didn't matter to the Taj, but goodwill did. Who had more finesse? The Catholic Gym or the Taj? Roland. Toronto. "Vivian A. DSouza" <[email protected]> wrote: About time people learn to respect the sanctity of places of worship, whether Hindu, Christian, Moslem or Sikh. Agnelo Fernandes in Calangute wrote: I was in Kerala (Kottakkal) with my wife for a month. My wife accompanied a friend she made there to one of the temples in the area. Although dressed in ankle length formal trousers and long sleeve kurta, she was denied entry at the temple because she was attired in trousers - only saree clad women folk were allowed in for worship. She was told - "Lady, Lady in pants, don't enter. Only Saree dress allowed." Sanctity preserved here. Go to our Old Goa churches and you see people in beach wear inside clicking pictures posing as honeymooners. I have seen this during my several visits. Maybe because our Old Goa churches are under ASI care and they don't care ?? Agnelo Fernandes Calangute, Goa
