Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Outdated customs

Sir, — In her article, "Hindutva and ethnicity" (Feb. 25), Gail Omvedt has referred to the warning sign "non-Hindus not allowed" in the Puri Temple and "only Hindus allowed" at the Madurai Meenakshi Temple; such prohibition is in force in many Hindu temples. Hindu males cannot enter the temples with their shirts or coats on in Kerala.

Non-Sikhs have to cover their heads while entering gurdwaras. It is, therefore, rather far-fetched to give ethnic connotation to such practices which have long outlived their original value.

Despite the efforts of saints and seers to convey the message that the access to God and His Abode should be kept open to all the faithful, the rituals, customs and beliefs continue.

K. Ramamurthi,
Chennai

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