Is there a particular Hindu sect which wears black clothing? Is there significance to black clothing in India?

Question

Rarely is traditional Indian clothing found in black. Why is this? Which sects are known for wearing black clothes?

Answer 1

Black clothes are normally worn by the pligrims intending to visit Sabarimala temple, the abode of Lord Ayyappa.

The pilgrimage begins in the month of November and ends in January. The temple attracts pilgrims not only from the southern states of India, but also from other parts of the country and abroad.

The shrine gets thronged with devotees especially during the main pilgrim season from November to January.

Mandalapooja(Nov.15th)and Makaravilakku(Jan.14th)are the two main events of the pilgrim season. The temple stays closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April).

Certain customs are to be strictly observed if one has to undertake a pilgrimage to Sabarimala. A pilgrim attending the Mandalapooja should observe austerities for 41 days. During this period, the pilgrim should abstain himself from non- vegetarian habits and cardinal pleasures.

For more details, please check the following link;

http://www.sabarimala.org/

Answer 2

Black is for cat burglars.