Bangalore confused about Jesus's apparel?

Ever saw the idols of Mary and infant Jesus here in Bangalore? Ever wondered why they are dressed so differently from the chapels and churches of Europe and the US? Why is it that the Mary here is draped in a saree and infant Jesus is dressed in a pinafore, whilst their European counterparts are dressed in gowns and capes? Well, the obvious answer is 'culture' and cultural differences.

Now, I can understand Mary being accepted by Indian Christians if she is saree-clad (because the image of a 'mother' to most Indians is a saree-clad, sweet lady). Perhaps they cannot accept the image of a lady in a gown as 'holy mother', since it's not localized enough. What I don't understand is baby Jesus in a frock! I mean come on he is a guy and NOT a girl, right? Why dress him up in a frock, for crying out loud?

Is it localization too? I wonder. Is localization for India, dressing up boys in girls' clothes? Am not quite sure what message is being disseminated with this....Cross dressing? If so, I must say that the Indian orthodox Christians have become truly liberal and eclectic in their views. May be the Hindus can take a page or two from their book.

However, the gender identity issue still confuses me. If Jesus had been a female, would the infant have been dressed in a pair of trousers and shirt or kurta-pyjama? Hmm... I think I shall sit and ponder on this one over the weekend...