Railways Withdraws ‘Saffron Attire’ for Waiters on Ramayan Express After Objections from Ujjain Seers

The Indian Railways gave the serving staff of the Ramayan Express new uniforms on Monday after Ujjain seers objected to the saffron uniform that had a sadhu like a getup. The Ujjain seers were offended and called it an insult to Hinduism and threatened to stop the train in Delhi on December 12 if the dress code was not changed.

The Ramayan Express that started its 17- day journey from Safdarjung railway station on November 7, saw the waiters in a new look. They were wearing saffron attire with a sadhu like headgear and malas of Rudraksha around their neck. The seers called it an insult to the Hindu religion.

The Indian Railways said in a statement that the dress of the service staff is completely changed. This statement came after the objections from the Ujjain seers. The current uniform is quite professional with normal shirts, trousers and traditional headgear. The serving staff will still wear saffron masks and gloves.

Ujjain Akhada Parishad’s former general secretary Avdeshpuri told news agency PTI that they wrote a letter to the railway minister two days back expressing their concern about the uniform. He said that the Ujjain seers will stop the train at Safdarjung railway station if the dress code is not changed.

Avdeshpuri further added that they will sit on the railway tracks to protest this uniform and protect the Hindu religion. The Ramayan Express will visit 15 places associated with the life of Lord Ram. It will cover a great distance of 7,500 km. The train will go to several pilgrims significant to Lord Ram like Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, Nandigram, Prayag, Janakpur, Nasik, Sitamarhi, Hampi and Rameshwaram. The train is well-equipped with first-class restaurants, a library and shower cubicles.

This train is a great addition and people, especially senior citizens can take this trip of 14 to 15 days in the holy places of Ayodhya, Chitrakoot etc. The total cost of the packages starts from Rs 14,490 per person. The next Ramayan Express will run on November 25 and you can book the tickets on the IRCTC website.

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