Dress code imposed at Goa church

Tourists visiting Goa's historic Basilica of Bom Jesus church will be screened for proper dress from September.

The 16th century church has reportedly constituted a panel that will screen visitors entering the venue.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is famous for the preserved mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. The church was constructed around 1695 and is said to be India's first minor basilica.

"The panel of specially appointed officials will screen all visitors to the church," said Fr Savio Barrette, rector of the Basilica.

He told reporters that the church would provide shawls to those "improperly dressed".

"The special panel will screen tourists and provide shawls if clothing is inappropriate. The shawls will be taken back after the visit," Fr Barrette said.

In addition to that, photography would also be banned inside the church, he informed.

Church officials said the need for screening of tourists arose after parishioners raised objections.

On an average, Basilica of Bom Jesus gets about 10,000 visitors daily. Declared a world heritage site, the Basilica stands as a fine example of Jesuit architecture.

Two temples in Goa – Mahalsa Narayani and Mangueshi recently imposed similar dress code to restrict scantily-dressed visitors.