On December 6, Walmart sparked controversy after it was revealed that it had been selling footwear and underwear featuring the image of Bhagwan Ganesha.
A popular X (formerly Twitter) user, ‘Tathvam-asi (@ssaratht),’ criticised Walmart for disrespecting Hindu sentiments, tweeting, “This is unacceptable. You can’t demean our Hindu Gods.”
As shown in the images shared by the X user, Walmart had been selling a range of items, including tops, pants, shorts, bikinis, flip-flops, and socks, all featuring the image of Bhagwan Ganesha, under its ‘Celestial Ganesh Blessings Collection.’
This is unacceptable. You can’t demean our Hindu Gods.@Walmart should immediately withdraw ‘Celestial Ganesh Blessings collection’ and apologise to Hindus. 😡😡 pic.twitter.com/KGCcqqObXu
— Tathvam-asi (@ssaratht) December 6, 2024
Reports indicate that Walmart is selling at least 70 different variants of boxers, thongs, briefs, and panties featuring the print of Lord Ganesha. The inappropriate use of Hindu deities’ imagery on items like footwear and underwear sparked outrage within the Hindu community. Social media users quickly voiced their anger, accusing the corporation of disrespecting Hindu sentiments.
Hindu activist Rajan Zed also reached out to the American retail giant, urging them to remove the offensive products. “Symbols of any faith, regardless of size or significance, should never be mishandled,” he said.
Hindu advocacy group ‘Insight UK’ tweeted, “The Hindu community is deeply concerned about this. It reflects blatant negligence and a complete lack of respect for Hindu gods, sentiments, and sensibilities.”
The Hindu Jagruti Organisation stated, “The depiction of Shri Ganesh, a highly revered Hindu deity, on underwear, boxers, socks, slippers, etc., is deeply offensive and disrespectful to Hindus globally.” The group also called for a formal apology from Walmart.
The US-based Hindu advocacy organisation, HAF, wrote directly to Walmart’s management, protesting the misuse of Hindu imagery on slippers and bathing suits.
Dear @walmarthelp: @HinduAmerican has written directly to @Walmart regarding the disrespectful misuse of Hindu imagery on slippers & bathing suits.
Ganesha is a deity worshipped by more than a billion followers of Dharma religions around the world as the remover of obstacles.… pic.twitter.com/WHrpFOYPQU
— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) December 6, 2024
In response to the outrage from Hindu netizens and advocacy organisations, Walmart withdrew its ‘Celestial Ganesh Blessings Collections.’ However, swimsuits featuring the image of the Hindu deity remain available for sale.
Past instances of Hinduphobia by companies
This is not the first instance of a brand openly displaying Hinduphobia. In April 2022, the clothing brand Sahara Ray Swim, owned by surfer-turned-OnlyFans model Sahara Ray, sparked outrage after it released a swimwear collection featuring images of Hindu deities. Earlier, in May 2019, Amazon faced criticism for selling floor mats and toilet covers adorned with images of sacred Hindu Gods and Goddesses.
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