Kochi, Kerala - Cochin Synagogue Implements Strict Dress Code

Kochi, Kerala - A new dress code for visitors at the 16th century Cochin Synagogue, the only functional synagogue in Kerala, has forced some foreign tourists to return disappointed without seeing it.

The dress code, enforced from April 27, requires men to wear full shirts and trousers and women to sport long skirts well below the knee. 'This is a religious place and the Jewish congregation that owns the synagogue was upset when they saw tourists wearing dresses which should not be worn in religious places. So we decided to enforce the code strictly,' Samuel Hallegua, the 75-year-old warden of the monument, said.

The synagogue, built in 1568, is popular with foreign tourists. An estimated 50,000 tourists visit it every year.

'The new dress code causes a lot of problems because most foreign tourists prefer to wear shorts due to the heat,' said M.C. Rajan, president of the Kerala Guides Association. Last month, two British tourists were prevented from entering the synagogue due to the dress code. 'Following a complaint to the district authorities by my clients, the district collector ordered an inquiry into the episode,' said Rajan. However, Hallegua says they would stick to the code.