In a sense, this represents the dividing line between East and West, between the traditional and the modern mentalities. Of course, it is not merely a matter of going by foot instead of by vehicle. For the entire duration of the pilgrimage, one is no longer an ordinary householder but rather a swami or swami amma , a messenger or representative of the deity. Therefore only pure vegetarian foods may be consumed and these also should be offered to the pilgrim on behalf of the deity. And ordinary street clothes are also unacceptable in the context of Indian culture.
Women pilgrims wear simple cotton sari while men and boys wear dhoti and shawl.
If one sees pilgrims wearing deep green, it means they are walking to a shrine of Murugan, while black is for Ayyappan. Simple traditional cotton garments are said to be most pleasing to the devas and at the same time the visible distinctions between rich and poor pilgrims are erased. Additionally, traditional pilgrims do not wear perfume, garlands or jewelry but rather will approach the deity in a state of utter simplicity and poverty. Like beggars, a pilgrim carries all his or her belongings in a plain shoulder bag or bundle balanced upon the head. So far, so good, you may suppose.