Raipur, Chhattisgarh – In a significant victory for the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS), ‘Shri Ganesha Global Gulal Pvt Ltd.’ has issued an unconditional written apology after publishing an offensive advertisement on the occasion of Mahashivratri in leading Chhattisgarh newspapers, Dainik Bhaskar and Haribhumi.
The protest was led by Sunil Ghanwat, State Organiser of HJS for Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, along with Shri. Kamal Biswal from the Chhattisgarh unit. Following demands for police action by HJS, the company issued the written apology.
Victory for Dharma 🚩
After strong protest by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, Shri Ganesh Global Gulal Pvt Ltd has issued a written apology and agreed to withdraw the objectionable advertisement that hurt Hindu religious sentiments.
We welcome the quick corrective action taken by the… https://t.co/YtcZuE99jy pic.twitter.com/SV5KSQWRAC
— HinduJagrutiOrg (@HinduJagrutiOrg) February 15, 2026
What was objectionable in the advertisement?
The advertisement featured highly offensive and derogatory depictions for commercial gains. Shri Ganesh was shown holding packets of ‘Gulal’ and ‘Thandai’ in His hands, portraying the Deity as a commercial model. By showcasing Deities as ‘salesmen’ on the holy occasion of Mahashivratri, the company commercialized Their divine form. Additionally, the advertisement reportedly featured foreign fictional characters such as ‘Captain America’ alongside Lord Shiva and the Shivling, which is a grave insult and mockery of Hindu faith.
Company acknowledges blunder
Following the intense protest, the company’s director, Umang Goyal, admitted that displaying their products in the hands of Shri Ganesh was a “major blunder and an unintentional mistake”. In a formal letter of apology, the company stated that the incident occurred inadvertently and expressed sincere regret to the Hindu Sanatani community. It also assured that such an error would not be repeated in the future.
Hindu Janajagruti Samiti maintains that using Hindu Deities for commercial advertisements is a direct disrespect to Their sanctity and divinity. The same sensitivity and seriousness shown towards the symbols of other religions must be accorded to Hindu faith as well. No company has the right to insult our revered Deities to increase their sales. HJS warned that the legal struggle and public awareness against those who hurt religious sentiments in the name of creativity will continue resolutely.
https://zcmp.in/WFXA
