Walmart faced significant backlash on Friday, December 6, after it was revealed that the company had been selling underwear and slippers featuring the image of Lord Ganesha. The controversy arose when a popular social media user, ‘Tathvam-asi (@ssaratht)’, called attention to the issue, claiming that Walmart was disrespecting Hindu sentiments. The user posted images of various products, including tops, pants, shorts, bikinis, flip-flops, and socks, all adorned with the image of Lord Ganesha, as part of the retailer’s ‘Celestial Ganesh Blessings Collection.’
Reports indicated that Walmart was selling over 70 types of boxers, thongs, briefs, and panties featuring Lord Ganesha’s image. The use of sacred Hindu imagery on such products angered many in the Hindu community, with social media users condemning the company for mocking their religious beliefs. Hindu activist Rajam Zed also contacted Walmart, urging the removal of these offensive items, emphasizing that religious symbols should be treated with respect.
Following the uproar, Walmart removed socks and women’s underwear featuring the deity, but swimsuits with Lord Ganesha’s image remained available. Hindu advocacy group Insight UK expressed concern, criticizing the company’s negligence and disrespect toward Hindu deities. The Hindu Jagruti organization also demanded a formal apology from Walmart, calling the depiction of Lord Ganesha on products like underwear and slippers deeply offensive.
This incident follows previous cases of companies misusing Hindu religious symbols. In 2022, Sahara Ray Swim made headlines for using images of Hindu deities on swimwear. In 2019, Amazon faced similar criticism for selling floor mats and toilet covers featuring sacred Hindu images. Additionally, in 2018, an NRI named Ankita Mishra contacted a New York nightclub after discovering Hindu deity images on the venue’s walls.
