Saffron dress of waiters of Ramayan Express withdrawn after protest by seers

Nov. 22: After facing much criticism from the seers of Ujjain, Indian Railways have finally withdrawn the saffron attire of its serving staff on board the Ramayana Special Trains. In a public message, the Railways stated, “Dress of service staff is completely changed in the look of professional attire of service staff. Inconvenience cause is regretted.”

The seers said it was an insult to the Hindu religion and threatened to stop the train in Delhi if the dress code was not withdrawn. The uniforms have been changed to normal shirts and trousers and traditional headgear. The waiters will, however, wear saffron masks and gloves.

The country’s first Ramayan circuit train chugged off on a 17-day journey from the Safdarjung railway station on November 7. This train visits 15 places associated with the life of Lord Ram. Covering a distance of more than 7,500 km, the train will take the pilgrims to places such as Ayodhya, Prayag, Nandigram, Janakpur, Chitrakoot, Sitamarhi, Nasik, Hampi and Rameshwaram. The Ramayan Express is equipped with first-class restaurants, library and shower cubicles.