Bengaluru: A protest by karyakartas of the Hindu Jagarana Vedike was held inside ‘Nandawi Mandi’ restaurant, owned by Mohammed Jaffer, in Bengaluru, following outrage over a Vishu-themed poster depicting Bhagwan Krishna alongside a chicken dish. The demonstration came days after a report published in the ‘Organiser’ on April 19 highlighted the issue under the headline, “Bengaluru restaurant ‘Nadawi Mandi’ shares Krishna-meat poster on Vishu day triggering outrage over targeting Hindus.” According to those present, the protest was organised in response to the concerns raised in the report, which brought wider attention to the now-deleted social media post. Karyakartas gathered inside the restaurant, demanding accountability and an assurance that such representations would not be repeated. The demonstration remained largely peaceful but emphatic, with slogans raised and calls made for respecting Hindu religious sentiments.
Nandawi Mandi is a West Asian-themed restaurant brand, operating from Maha Yogi Vemana Road, Konappana Agrahara in Bengaluru, with another outlet in Saudi Arabia and Keralam. The term “Nandawi Mandi” combines a stylised, Arabic-sounding brand name with mandi, a traditional Yemeni rice and meat dish.
Restaurant owners apologise, cite AI-generated poster behind Vishu controversy
The protest prompted the restaurant owners to issue a live apology, expressing regret over the controversial Vishu poster. “We offer heartfelt apologies to the Hindu community for editing Bhagwan Sri Krishna’s image with meat in the Nadawi Mandi poster,” said the restaurant owner, Muhammad Jaffer, in a video statement during the protest. He further added, “We will ensure that such heinous acts will not occur in the future. What was done is completely wrong… we are seeking forgiveness.”
In a separate video statement, another member of the restaurant team said he had uploaded the Vishu-day poster, which later triggered the controversy, and clarified that some team members had generated and released the visual using AI tools. “I had uploaded a poster related to Nadawi Mandi hotel on Vishu day and that has created a row. Some of my team members had generated the poster with AI and has released it,” he said. “I am apologises the Hindu society on behalf of his team. It will be ensured that such incidents do not occur again and do not get repeated,” he added, reiterating that steps would be taken to prevent a recurrence.
Hindu Jagarana Vedike leader Santhosh Karthal said, “ We locked the restaurant and Jihadis. If you insult Hindu murtis, we will let you know where, how and when to give an answer,” during the protest. The karyakartas, led by Karthal, also contacted another restaurant owner over the phone during the protest, informing them about the concerns raised by the Hindu community and seeking an apology for the depiction involving Bhagwan Krishna. In response, the owner expressed regret and apologised over the call, assuring that such content would not be repeated. The video of the phone conversation was also released by the protesters. Further, Karthal said that Hindu girls working with Muslim boys in the shop is a matter that needs to be considered seriously from the perspective of the safety of Hindu women.
The controversy stems from a Vishu greeting poster shared by the restaurant on its social media platforms. The visual reportedly showed a child-like depiction of Bhagwan Krishna placed alongside a plate containing chicken fry, which many viewers found objectionable. The image was circulated on Vishu day, a festival of deep cultural and spiritual importance to Hindus in Keralam and across the Malayali diaspora.
Vishu Kani and ritual significance at the centre of humiliation
Vishu marks the traditional New Year in Keralam and is observed with rituals centred on the Vishu Kani, an arrangement of auspicious items such as rice, fruits, vegetables, a mirror, gold ornaments, and images of deities, most commonly Bhagwan Krishna. Devotees begin the day by viewing the Kani at dawn, symbolising prosperity and spiritual well-being for the year ahead. In this context, the use of Bhagwan Krishna’s image in proximity to non-vegetarian food in a promotional poster was perceived by many as a violation of the sanctity associated with the festival.
The social media post quickly drew criticism, with several users alleging that it hurt religious sentiments and disrespected Hindu traditions. Screenshots of the poster were widely shared even after it was taken down, intensifying the backlash. The issue soon moved beyond online criticism to on-ground mobilisation, culminating in the protest inside the restaurant in Bengaluru.
Multiple Arabic-themed restaurants face action and arrests across Keralam
The incident in Bengaluru is not isolated. Similar controversies have been reported in Keralam in recent days, where multiple restaurants faced allegations over Vishu-themed advertisements depicting Bhagwan Krishna alongside non-vegetarian dishes. In districts such as Malappuram and Alappuzha, cases have been registered against establishments including Mehar Mandi & Grills, Yamama Shawaya Hotel, Go Grill Mandi Mahal Hotel, Mandi Manzil Hotel Group, and Thalassery Kitchen. In Cherthala, a case was registered against Mehar Mandi & Grills, owned by Mohammed Shemir, Arshad and associates, after a Vishu advertisement featuring Bhagwan Krishna alongside a biryani platter with fried chicken went viral and triggered protests. In Malappuram, the Mankada police registered a case in connection with a similar post by Yamama Shawaya Hotel, leading to the arrest of three individuals: Mustafa of Pookottoor, Shahul Hameed, and Muhammed Shahil of Eramthode. Electronic devices used in creating and circulating the content were also seized.
Taken together, these incidents point to a continuing trend of insulting and humiliating Hindu traditions, rituals, and festivals, provoking strong reactions among devotees across regions. The recurrence of such episodes has intensified public concern, reinforcing calls for greater respect toward sacred symbols and cultural practices.
