After Walmart's Lord Ganesha printed underwear and slippers, AliExpress now sells Lord Jagannath doormat and sparks outrage
But for many, this incident is part of a larger pattern. It is not the first time a global platform has hurt Hindu sentiments for profit or ignorance.
Not the first time: Another global brand offends Hindu sentiment
Last year, Walmart was heavily criticised for selling underwear, slippers, socks, and even swimsuits printed with images of Lord Ganesha. Though the retail giant eventually removed some of the products, several items — including Ganesha swimsuits, remained on sale, drawing accusations of cultural insensitivity and 'normalising disrespect.'
From Walmart to Amazon: A series of cultural missteps and insulting Hindu gods
The Hindu American Foundation slammed Walmart's actions, stating that commercialising deities worshipped by over a billion people was 'disrespectful, irresponsible, and dangerous.'
Similarly, Amazon too once sold doormats printed with Hindu gods, leading to calls for boycotts. Public figures like Ravindra Jadeja condemned the platform, questioning whether similar disrespect would ever be shown towards other religions, like printing Islamic prayer mats with offensive designs.
OM,ॐ,described as the most important mantra for worship in Hinduism now available as DOORMATS & CARPETSAMAZON USA website has once again done it. What is wrong with these companies?Exploiting Hindu Sentiments for few $$$?Can these companies do the same for other religions? pic.twitter.com/TE3h2TGwRi
Jagannath doormat sparks Odisha-led backlash
In the current AliExpress row, outrage is especially strong in Odisha, the cultural heartland of the Jagannath tradition. Madhab Pujapanda, a former temple official, urged Indian and state governments to take immediate diplomatic action and hold Chinese sellers accountable. He also emphasised the need for legal protection of sacred Hindu symbols and terms to stop such misuse.
Social media is ablaze with hashtags like #RespectJagannath and #BoycottAliExpress, with devotees demanding an apology and product removal.
A pattern that cannot be ignored
From MF Husain's controversial goddess paintings to global giants monetising divine icons, these repeated incidents point to a larger issue, religious imagery is not fashion, décor or a quirky trend. With billions following these faiths, platforms must learn that sacred does not mean sellable.
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