Walmart pulls Ganesha-printed apparel following outrage over religious insensitivity
Walmart faced backlash for selling products like underwear, swimwear, and slippers with Lord Ganesha prints, sparking outrage among Hindu communities. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) criticized the "disrespectful misuse" of sacred imagery and demanded the items be removed.
Walmart has been under fire for displaying Lord Ganesha prints on slippers, underwear, swimwear, and pants. Many have chastised the American multinational retail firm, demanding that these products be removed from their website and an apology for offending religious feelings.
An X (previously Twitter) posted screenshots of the products on the microblogging website and said, "Listen! Walmart, featuring Lord Ganesha on underwear and casual wear is deeply disrespectful to Hindus. Deities are not fashion statements; they hold profound spiritual significance. Please reconsider this product line to show respect for religious symbols."
Listen!! @Walmart, featuring Lord Ganesha on underwear and casual wear is deeply disrespectful to #Hindus. Deities are not fashion statements; they hold profound spiritual significance. Please reconsider this product line to show respect for religious symbols.¡ pic.twitter.com/tWDA3dkxj8
¡ª UnApologetic Hindu (@KrishnKiKanya) December 6, 2024
The list of products included underwear, socks and more
The screenshots showed that the products were sold by several sellers. One listing for trousers stated, "Lukts celestial Ganesh blessings for men - sleek straight pyjama pants, versatile lounge pants, and cosy sleepwear all in one-xx-large." The screenshots show bikinis, slippers, and pants with Lord Ganesh prints for sale online.
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
¡ª Tathvam-asi (@ssaratht) December 6, 2024
Hindu American Foundation reached out to the company
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF), an advocacy group that represents Hindu Americans, criticized Walmart for "disrespectful misuse of Hindu imagery on slippers & bathing suits" and demanded that the products be removed from the retailer's website immediately.
The organisation wrote, ¡°We have 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. We ask that these disrespectful items be immediately discontinued for sale," they added.
Dear @walmarthelp: @HinduAmerican has written directly to @Walmart regarding the disrespectful misuse of Hindu imagery on slippers & bathing suits.
¡ª Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) December 6, 2024
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
The organisation has expressed a desire to engage in discussions about the acceptable commercial use of images depicting Hindu deities.
Walmart has not yet issued a statement addressing the "celestial Ganesh blessing" collection, but the majority of the items have been pulled from their website in response to the outcry.
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