Global retail giant Walmart is currently at the receiving end of public outrage for hurting religious sentiments of the Hindu community over its controversial merchandise sale. A sleeper ad named “Silkie Celestial Ganesh Blessings Slippers for women and Men, House Shoes for Unisex, Indoor House Shoes-Medium” can be seen contentiously using the name and picture of Lord Ganesha on them. This sparked outrage among the Hindu community for hurting their religious sentiment.
Why is @Walmart hurting our sentiments? pic.twitter.com/8YXG9AOrkG
— Kreately.in (@KreatelyMedia) December 6, 2024
This is disgusting and unacceptable @Walmart.
Try doing this to IsIam and you’ll lose all your offices/stores…. pic.twitter.com/9cobLzHH3P— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) December 7, 2024
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 another ad for leggings and pyjamas, the brand name KLL Celestial put their advertisement of “Women One Piece Swimsuits Bathing Suits”, which shows an objectionable picture of Lord Ganesha.
Wallmart comes out with Ganesha Slippers, Bikini and Pants and what not in their ‘Celestial Ganesh Blessings collection’
This is how they insult our Devtas!
After a Huge Outrage Walmart has removed these products from the website! pic.twitter.com/axefDKmUDt
— The Jaipur Dialogues (@JaipurDialogues) December 7, 2024
After facing public outrage and seeing #BoycottWalmart gaining steam for hurting the religious sentiments of the Hindus, the global retail giant took down the offensive advertisement post. However, Walmart has a history of disrespecting Hindu deities, and this is not the first incident. Previously, Walmart has flashed Hindu deities objectionably on objects for commercial purposes. In 2017, it put a Ganesh Plush Doll on its website for sale. In 2018, they put a toy ring with Lord Ganesha on the top for sale. In 2019, the website was seen selling Door mats and Toilet covers showing HINDU GODS.
Walmart has a history of disrespecting Hindu deities and this is not the first incident. @Walmart seems to periodically test the limits of Hindu tolerance.
They’re confident that we don’t have STSJ zombies on our side to label it blasphemy and avenge the disrespect even after 10… pic.twitter.com/Y6eXmxgiQF
— Ritika J Chandola (@RitikaChandola) December 7, 2024
Success! Thank you @walmarthelp @Walmart for removing the Ganesh slippers from your online catalog.
We appreciate your responsiveness and look forward to continued conversations about respectful use of Hindu imagery. https://t.co/UZIgA6Al35 pic.twitter.com/S1BcipH4WE
— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) December 7, 2024
Lord Ganesha in the Hindu religion is regarded as the God of obstacles and is worshipped by everyone. Walmart is a serial offender of hurting Hindu sentiments. A concrete action is being demanded by the Hindus on these religious offences.
Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion in the world, with about 1.1 billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought, and it should not be taken frivolously. Symbols of any faith, larger or smaller, should not be mishandled. The time has come to take note of it and act accordingly for these business farms.
Inappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts or symbols for commercial or other agendas will not be tolerated by the Hindus and proper response will be given by the devotees.