'No Pockets, No Pocketing': Haridwar's Mansa Devi Temple Mandates Pocketless Dress Code For Priests

Published 16 July 2026 · india

'No Pockets, No Pocketing': Haridwar's Mansa Devi Temple Mandates Pocketless Dress Code For Priests Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 13:18 IST Haridwar's Mansa

'No Pockets, No Pocketing': Haridwar's Mansa Devi Temple Mandates Pocketless Dress Code For Priests Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 13:18 IST Haridwar's Mansa Devi Temple has introduced a pocketless dress code for priests and installed 65 CCTV cameras amid donation theft controversies linked to Badrinath. Priests at Haridwar's Mansa Devi Temple will now wear pocketless attire as the temple trust introduces stricter measures for transparency in donation management amid recent temple offering controversies. In a first-of-its-kind move aimed at boosting transparency in the handling of devotees’ offerings, the Mansa Devi Temple in Uttarakhand’s Haridwar has made it mandatory for all priests and temple staff to wear pocketless attire while on duty. The decision comes against the backdrop of allegations of misappropriation of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the ongoing probe into the alleged donation theft at Badrinath Dham. The temple trust says the measure is intended to eliminate any possibility of offerings being pocketed by individuals and to reinforce devotees’ faith in the temple administration. ‘NO POCKETS, NO POSSIBILITY OF POCKETING DONATIONS’ Speaking to news agency PTI, Mahant Ravindrapuri, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad and the Mansa Devi Temple Trust, said the decision was taken a few days ago following the controversies surrounding temple donations.

“In light of allegations regarding the theft of donation money in temples, we believe that if there are no pockets in the clothing, there is no possibility of pocketing the offerings," he said. “The actions of just a few individuals cast doubt on the entire temple management and the Sanatan tradition; therefore, this step has been taken to maintain the trust of the devotees," he said. He added that from now on, all priests and staff at the temple would wear the specially designed pocketless garments while performing their duties. 65 CCTV CAMERAS, RECEIPTS FOR EVERY DONATION The new dress code is part of a broader effort by the temple trust to strengthen accountability in donation management. Ravindrapuri said 65 CCTV cameras have been installed across the temple complex to ensure round-the-clock monitoring. “When I arrived at the temple and observed the priests and staff, I noticed that none of their kurtas had pockets. Those who are opposing us are trying to tarnish the reputation of the Mansa Devi Temple. I would never seek to defame them. However, this situation compelled me to decide that our priests should wear attires without pockets while on duty," he told ANI.