What to Wear to Temples, Mosques & Gurudwaras in Delhi
The dress code at Jama Masjid, Bangla Sahib, Akshardham, Lotus Temple and Hindu temples: covering shoulders and knees, head coverings, shoes and what to pack.
One simple outfit works at every religious site in Delhi: loose trousers or a long skirt, a top that covers your shoulders and upper arms, and a scarf in your bag for covering your head. Shoes come off at the entrance almost everywhere, so wear ones that slip on and off easily. The rules differ a little by place: head covering is required at gurudwaras and expected for women at Jama Masjid, while Akshardham is strict about covered shoulders and knees for everyone.
Dress rules are about respect, and staff do turn visitors away. Most sites lend wraps or scarves if you arrive unprepared, sometimes for a small deposit or fee.
Dress code by place
| Place | Clothing | Head covering | Shoes | Extra rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gurudwara Bangla Sahib | Shoulders and knees covered | Required for everyone; free scarves at the entrance | Off at the free shoe counter; wash feet | No tobacco or alcohol |
| Jama Masjid | Shoulders, arms and legs covered; robes at the gate if needed | Women should cover their hair | Off before the courtyard | Closed to visitors at prayer times |
| Akshardham | Shoulders and knees covered for everyone; wraps lent against a deposit | Not required | Off at the monument | No phones or cameras at all |
| Lotus Temple | Modest clothing | Not required | Off before entering the hall | Silence inside; closed on Mondays |
| Hindu temples (Birla Mandir, ISKCON, Hanuman Mandir, Kalkaji) | Modest clothing | Not usually required | Off at the gate | Some temples have no-photo areas |
| Jain temples (Lal Mandir, Chandni Chowk) | Modest clothing | Not usually required | Off at the gate | Leave leather items such as belts and wallets outside |
| Dargahs (Nizamuddin) | Shoulders and legs covered | Cover your head; scarves are sold outside | Off at the entrance | Women may not enter the inner tomb chamber |
What to pack for temple visits
- A large scarf or stole. It covers your head, your shoulders or your knees as needed, and doubles as sun protection. Pack two in summer: one for sweat, one for temples.
- Loose, breathable trousers or a long skirt. Linen or cotton is far more comfortable than jeans in Delhi's heat.
- Tops with sleeves. T-shirts are fine; sleeveless tops are not.
- Slip-on shoes or sandals that you will not mind leaving on a shelf for an hour.
- Socks. Marble and stone courtyards get extremely hot from April to June, and cold in December and January.
See the full Delhi packing list by season.
Behaviour that matters as much as clothing
- Photos: many prayer halls do not allow photography, and Akshardham bans cameras completely. Never photograph people praying without asking.
- Feet: do not point your feet at altars, scriptures or people seated in prayer.
- Quiet: keep your voice low and phones on silent.
- Offerings: you never have to buy flowers or pay for a blessing. Small donations go only in official boxes.
Does what you wear matter outside temples?
Delhi has no general dress code, and in South Delhi, Connaught Place and malls, jeans, dresses and T-shirts are normal. In Old Delhi and other crowded markets, loose clothing covering shoulders and knees draws less attention and keeps you ready for a mosque or temple stop. For women travelling alone, see our solo female safety guide.
“We are visiting Jama Masjid, Bangla Sahib and Akshardham in one day. What should a man and a woman wear and carry?”
FAQ
What should I wear to a temple in Delhi?
Loose clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, plus a scarf. Shoes are removed at the entrance.
Do I need to cover my head at a gurudwara?
Yes, everyone must cover their head at a gurudwara. Free scarves are available at the entrance of Bangla Sahib and other large gurudwaras.
What is the dress code for Jama Masjid?
Cover your shoulders, arms and legs. Women should also cover their hair. Robes are available at the gate if your clothes do not meet the rule.
Can I wear shorts to Akshardham?
No. Shoulders and knees must be covered for everyone. Wraps are available at the entrance against a refundable deposit.
Sources and verification
Checked on 26 October 2026.
- Delhi Tourism: Bahá'í House of Worship (Lotus Temple) – closed Mondays, entry and rules
- Akshardham Temple Delhi travel guide 2026 (thedelhitours.com) – Akshardham dress code and wraps
- Gurudwara Bangla Sahib travel guide 2026 (thedelhitours.com) – head covering
- Jama Masjid Delhi visitor guide 2026 (explorerealindia.com) – mosque dress code