There’s a new rule at the Mahakal temple in Darjeeling, West Bengal— no mini-skirts or short dresses for women. Instead, visitors can rent ghagras or long skirts for a nominal fee.
Located atop the iconic Observatory Hill near Chowrasta and surrounded by the Mall Road, the revered shrine draws both Indian and foreign tourists. Dignitaries visiting the Darjeeling Hills often offer puja here.
According to a new signboard, the temple has banned “ladies wearing short skirts/dress” on its premises. The decision was taken by the Mahakal Mandir Puja and Welfare Committee (MMPWC) after they deemed that short dresses violated the sanctity of the temple, officials said.
“The Mahakal Mandir is a revered place of worship where people from across the world visit. People wearing short dresses and miniskirts do not complement the sanctity of the place,” said Meghraj Rai, president of MMPWC.
Kishore Gazmer, the committee’s general secretary, said: “We are not against anyone’s choice of clothing, but at times it gets awkward, and we have received complaints. Other devotees have objected to such dresses.”
To address the issue, rental ghagras and long skirts are now available at the temple’s donation counter. “Visitors can borrow them by paying Rs 100 as security. When they return the ghagras, Rs 75 is refunded — Rs 25 is the usage charge,” Gazmer said.
According to the committee, the proceeds will fund welfare work. “We provide food and medicines to poor patients, including those with cancer and TB, and support the education of children from underprivileged families,” Rai added.
The order, however, has drawn criticism, with many asking why there was no restriction on men wearing shorts. Gazmer said: “This system is on trial. We will review feedback and make further changes if needed.”
The temple has both Hindu gods and goddesses as well as idols of Lord Buddha.
During her visit to North Bengal overseeing flood relief operations on October 16, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the Mahakal temple in Darjeeling and announced the proposed construction of a similar temple in Siliguri. “A big Mahakal temple will come up in the proposed convention centre in Siliguri. For this, a trust needs to be formed,” Banerjee said.