Australian yogawear company Flow Yoga Wear has been publicly shamed for the release of an 'insensitive' pair of yoga pants depicting the Hindu deity Lord Ganesha.
The Gold Coast based brand, owned by Kylie Morris, has drawn ire from Hindu communities, both here in Australia and internationally.
While Morris has defend her decision, stating she had no intent on causing any offence, Universal Society of Hinduism president Rajan Zed has called for an apology and for the items to be removed immediately.
"Lord Ganesha was highly revered in Hinduism and was meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to adorn one’s legs.
"Inappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts for commercial or other agenda was not okay.
"Symbols of any faith, larger or smaller, should not be mishandled. Such trivialisation of Hindu deities was disturbing to the Hindus world over."
Morris also has stockists in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. The product description of Ganesha Leggings, which are priced at $75.00 states: “Grant us Always New Energy, Spirit & Happiness Lord Ganesha!”
The Hindu Council of Australia also slammed the product, backing Zed's statements, labelling the leggings as insensitive.
The leggings have since been removed from the site.