When I'm in a sari I have to remember that I represent the Hare Krsna movement. Everything I do or say will reflect on my religion. If one police officer gets out of line, the entire police force becomes embarrassed and is often held to blame. Occasionally, I've done something foolish in public while wearing a sari and have felt embarrassed not only for myself but for all Hare Krsnas. My sari tells other Krsna devotees I'm a serious practitioner.
Many devotees wear their religious dress only for ceremonies at the temple.
I'm serious about my religion and won't stray. It's easy to be Hare Krsna around other Hare Krsnas, but to be one around people who may be doubtful, intolerant, unconcerned, or even antagonistic will make me a stronger devotee. The test of a true religious person is the internal determination, not the external dress. I want to be unless I'm one in all circumstances, good or bad - sickness or health, in wealth or poverty. By staying Krsna conscious in all circumstances, I can prove to myself that I'm a serious devotee of Krsna.