Walmart sparked outrage after it was seen that the company had been selling footwear and underwear featuring images of Lord Ganesha. The controversial products, part of the "Celestial Ganesh Blessings Collection," angered many Hindus, leading to widespread calls for their removal.

On December 6th, Walmart became embroiled in controversy when it was revealed that its collection included tops, pants, shorts, bikinis, flip-flops, and socks adorned with the image of Lord Ganesha. Reports indicated that at least 70 variants of boxers, thongs, briefs, and panties with Lord Ganesha's image were being sold.

The use of sacred Hindu imagery on items like underwear and footwear quickly drew the ire of the Hindu community. Social media users expressed their disgust, with many calling it disrespectful and offensive. One popular X (formerly Twitter) user, ‘Tathvam-asi (@ssaratht),’ criticized Walmart for "demeaning our Hindu Gods," adding that such actions were unacceptable.

Hindu organizations also voiced their concerns. Hindu activist Rajam Zed reached out to Walmart, urging them to remove the products and avoid mishandling symbols of any faith. "Symbols of any faith should not be mishandled," Zed noted.

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

The Hindu advocacy group ‘Insight UK’ tweeted, expressing its displeasure, saying, "This is blatant negligence and lack of respect toward Hindu Gods and sensibilities." Similarly, the Hindu Jagruti organization condemned the depiction of Lord Ganesha on underwear and slippers, calling it deeply offensive and disrespectful. They also called for a formal apology from Walmart.

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) also joined in, writing directly to Walmart management, demanding that the misuse of Hindu imagery on products like slippers and swimsuits be addressed.

By the divine blessings of Bhagwan Shri Krishna and Shri Ganesha, I have officially filed a complaint against @Walmart and its directors for their disgraceful portrayal of Bhagwan Ganesha on products like underwear, socks, slippers, and more.

This blatant insult to Hindu Deities… pic.twitter.com/cBS53kPHVC

— Amita Sachdeva, Advocate (@SachdevaAmita) December 6, 2024

Delhi High Court Takes Action:
In this case, Delhi High Court advocate Amita Sachdeva has filed a complaint against Walmart and its directors, as announced on X. She shared a post stating, "With the divine blessings of Lord Shri Krishna and Lord Ganesha, I have officially filed a complaint against @Walmart and its directors for the disrespectful depiction of Lord Ganesha on underwear, socks, slippers, and other products. This blatant insult to Hindu gods and sentiments is unacceptable. If the police fail to act swiftly, legal action will be pursued in court to seek justice and protect the honor of Lord Ganesha."

After facing severe backlash, Walmart removed most items from the "Celestial Ganesh Blessings Collection." However, some swimsuits featuring Lord Ganesha’s image remain available for purchase.

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