Source: www.sundaytimes.lk
SRI LANKA, July 2010: Western attire has been outlawed for this year’s Nallur Festival in the Jaffna Peninsula and pilgrims have been told that only the traditional sari or long skirt and full blouse for women and the verti for men will be allowed. Even the popular churidar (Salvars) worn by women have been banned.
Jaffna Mayor and festival’s Organizing Committee chairperson Yogeswari Patkunarajah told the Sunday Times the decision was taken since a large number of expatriate Tamils were visiting the peninsula in Western attire that was not in keeping with the Tamil culture of the area.
The festival which is likely to attract hundreds of thousands of people from all parts of the country and overseas begins on August 15 and will go on for 25 days.