Ganesha-printed underwear, slippers on Walmart site sparks outrage. Pictures are viral

Some of the Lord Ganesha-printed items available on Walmart's site. (Image credit: @HiteshPrajapt7/X)

Walmart has been facing the ire of the Hindu community, especially in the US, after customers discovered that it has been selling slippers, undergarments, swimsuits, and several other items with Lord Ganesha printed on it. Pictures of the items are now viral. Many social media users accused the retail corporation of cultural ignorance and hurting religious sentiments. They also demanded that Walmart take the items off the site.

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
UnApologetic Hindu (@KrishnKiKanya) December 6, 2024

Meanwhile, the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), an advocacy organisation for the rights of Hindu-Americans criticised the "disrespectful misuse of Hindu imagery on slippers and bathing suits".

“Dear @Walmart: Disrespect is not fashionable. Hindu deities like Ganesha hold profound spiritual significance for over a billion followers worldwide. Items like slippers and bathing suits featuring sacred imagery demean the reverence with which these symbols are held,” HAF stated. “We have formally reached out to Walmart, urging the immediate discontinuation of these items. We call on you to stand for respect and cultural sensitivity."

After the backlash, many of the items, including slippers, socks, and underwear, were taken off the site but others, such as the Ganesha printed swimsuits continued to be available for sale.

Responding to the incident on social media, users urged brands to be more respectful towards religious sentiments.

"This isn’t the first time cultural ignorance has sparked outrage. Depicting Lord Ganesha on items like slippers and underwear is deeply disrespectful to millions of devotees. Brands need to understand that respecting cultural sentiments isn’t optional—it’s essential," wrote Vikram Rathod (@dhonidevmodi). "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."

Another X user Meru (@MeruBhaiya) said, "Did no one at Walmart have the sense to realize that putting Lord #Ganesh on slippers and a bikini would deeply offend Hindus? This is beyond disrespectful and doesn't look like an honest mistake at all. Who is responsible for designing such an insulting product, Walmart?"