Brewery apologises to Hindus over label
A brewery has apologised to Hindus for using a picture of the god Ganesha on the label of one of their beers. Tweedbank based Tempest Brewing Co uses an image of the god, the head of an elephant, on their India Pils.
Their website marketing says: “Channel your inner Ganesha and overcome all obstacles with our hoppy pilsner. With great drinkability, you’ll be at peace in no time.” Some Hindus were upset saying this was an inappropriate use of the image, and they have urged Tempest to apologise and withdraw the cans of beer.
President of the Universal Society of Hinduism, Rajan Zed, who is based in Nevada, USA, said: “Inappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts or symbols for commercial or other agenda is not OK and hurts devotees.
“Lord Ganesha is highly revered in Hinduism and is meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines, not to be used in selling beer for mercantile greed.
“Also, linking Lord Ganesh with alcoholic beverage is very disrespectful.” Brewery co-founder Gavin Meiklejohn said: “We embrace equality and diversity, therefore we are saddened to hear that our India Pils has caused upset within the Hindu community and we would like to offer our apologies.”