OLD GOA
With thousands of tourists thronging Old Goa daily to visit the world-famous Churches, there were issues in the past about the unruly behaviour of some of them, particularly regarding the dress code.
The entry of tourists in indecent attire was seen by devotees as an insult to the religious sentiments of the people, for whom the monuments represent places of sanctity.
So, to streamline the process and to avoid confrontation of the locals with the tourists, a dress code was introduced wherein the tourists were advised to refrain from wearing indecent attire while entering the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Se Cathedral.
Signboards were placed at the entrance of the Churches, mainly the Basilica and the Se Cathedral, providing an elaborate list of items and attire which were prohibited inside the sacred space.
Volunteers were also deployed in both the churches to prevent the tourists from entering if they were found improperly dressed. At the Se Cathedral, in particular, shawls are made available to the tourists not in proper attire, to cover up themselves.
Apart from adherence to the dress code, videography and photography is also prohibited inside the Churches. This, sometimes, leads to arguments between the volunteers and tourists with questions being asked about how the tourists will take back memories of the place if videography and photography are prohibited.
One of the volunteers informed that they have had to face a few tourists who would argue with them over the dress code. "Then, we have to politely tell them that they have to adhere to the dress code to enter the churches. Most of the tourists understand, but a few do not," the volunteer added.
But, ever since the dress code and other restrictions have been imposed in the Old Goa churches, it has brought about some discipline among the tourists, much to the relief of devotees and locals.
