Customers reported finding slippers, underwear, and swimsuits with pictures of Lord Ganesha printed on them, which infuriated Walmart. Numerous social media users accused the retail behemoth of offending the Hindu community’s religious feelings by sharing screenshots of the products from the Walmart website.
Walmart Prints Lord Ganesha’s Image On Underwear
“Pay attention! It is extremely disrespectful to Hindus for Walmart to feature Lord Ganesha on casual clothing and underwear. Deities have deep spiritual meaning and are not just fashion accessories. The post that shared the images said, “Please reevaluate this product line to show respect for religious symbols.”
HAF Advocates For Hindu Americans
The incident was denounced as a “disrespectful misuse” by the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), a group that advocates for the rights of Hindu Americans.
“Dear @Walmart: Being disrespectful isn’t trendy. More than a billion Hindus around the world attach great spiritual significance to Hindu deities like Ganesha. The reverence with which these symbols are held is denigrated by products such as bathing suits and slippers with religious imagery. We have officially contacted Walmart to request that these products be discontinued right away. They issued a statement saying, “We urge you to stand for cultural sensitivity and respect.”
Walmart Removes Product From Website
The products were removed from Walmart’s website, though, days after posts criticized the retailer for allegedly using images of the Hindu god in an offensive manner. However, users were incensed and cautioned brands to show greater consideration for religious feelings.
Huge Outrage On Internet
“Cultural ignorance has provoked outrage in the past. It is extremely disrespectful to the millions of devotees to depict Lord Ganesha on objects like underwear and slippers. One user commented, “Brands must realize that honoring cultural sentiments is not a choice—it is a necessity.”
“Using sacred symbols like Lord Ganesha on inappropriate items isn’t ‘creative,’ it’s offensive. Respect for cultures and beliefs isn’t a trend; it’s a basic expectation. Do better, Walmart,” said another.
