Upset Hindus have urged a north west England apparel firm to withdraw its Lord Ganesha boots and apologise
Irton Holmrook, based in Cumbria, was told to withdraw the Utopik branded boots, which feature images of the Hindu deity Ganesha. Hindu leaders have called it “highly inappropriate”.
The Universal Society of Hinduism stated: “Lord Ganesha is highly revered in Hinduism and was meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to adorn one’s feet.
“Inappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts or symbols for commercial or other agenda was not okay as it hurt the devotees.”
They also urged Utopik to offer a formal apology, besides withdrawing Ganesha boots from its online store.
Utopik states to be “passionate about providing unique artwork-printed clothing, accessories and home decor to our valued customers” and calls itself “the most colourful festival, rave and casual apparel store”. Alex Tooth is the co-founder and designer. “Ganesha Combat Boots” and “Ganesha Faux Fur Boots” each were priced at $89.
Hinduism is the third largest religion of the world with about 1.1 billion adherents. Lord Ganesha is worshipped as ‘god of wisdom’ and ‘remover of obstacles’ and is invoked before the beginning of any major undertaking.
