AliExpress Uses Jagannath Picture on Doormat – Why This is Deeply Offensive and Problematic ?
- Neha Kumari
- Jul 31
- 4 min read
Just imagine going into your house and walking on a doormat that has a holy face of a deity whom you admire so much. and suppose that the same thing to be your God. That is what has occurred- and people are enraged and they should be.
One of the recent scandals, which concerns one of the largest online retail markets in the world, is related to AliExpress.
An item listed with the platform featured a doormat that had the image of a Hindu deity, Lord Jagannath, who is one of the most sacred deities of the Hindu religion in and around the state of Odisha in India.
Many took offence at the listing and quickly made their voices heard all over the social media as they labeled it not only as offensive but crudely a show of cultural and religious insensitivity as well.
Who is Lord Jagannath and Why This Hurts Millions ?
Lord Jagannath is not merely a god of the Hindu religion- he is a religious icon that people admire so much worshipping in the Jagannath temple located in pilgrimage of Puri in Odisha.
He is viewed as an avatar of Krishna and is linked to the Lord Vishnu. Millions of people of every nation in the world flock in annual Rath Yatra ( Chariot Festival), when the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are taken out in big processions.
Therefore, when the picture of such a revered deity is put on a doormat, an object that is actually to be trodden upon- it is not only insulting. It’s degrading.
A reply to the question, why it is not just a product?
Others defend it on the grounds that it is a doormat. It is not, though. It is a sign of ignorance that shows a strong cultural insensitivity and respect. Until they can look at a religious symbol that is disgraced in this fashion, it is not only traumaticizing but also begs questions among Indian users and Hindus worldwide:
The approval of such listings in international sites, how is this done?
Why is it that religious symbols are not censored to be used in a respectable way?
Who bears responsibility when such contents upsets whole communities?
The outcry and demand on social media Scoresend Calls to Action
As soon as the screenshots of the doormat listing went viral, the hashtags #BoycottAliExpress and #RespectJagannath started to trend. AliExpress was asked by influencers, religious leaders and ordinary users to:
They should remove the listing at once
Apologize in the media
Introduce more restrictive product review policy
Prohibit the sellers selling the cultural or religious icons repeatedly and utilizing them wrong
There is also a general outcry raising pressure on the Indian government to take action by picking up the issue diplomatically and lodging formal complaints on such recurrence of Cultural Insensitivity by International platforms.
This is not the first time
Sadly enough, it is not a single case.
A number of Indian religious images such as that of Ganesha, Shiva etc., and even religious mantra have already been sold on products such as toilet seat covers, socks, or lingeries on different e-commerce platforms. The reason has always been the same either, of third-party sellers or ignorance.
How many is Stack too many?
Sometime seeing people around you being killed and it is not a mistake anymore, it is systemic ignorance or conscious neglect.
Why Respect Becomes Blinded by Profit ?
In e-commerce business, when it comes to a global marketplace, sellers usually seek out the so called exotic/cultural designs which target the niche market. However, poor taste is not the only issue when we have no idea what the sacred symbols we use represent. It is a case of defiance to the emotional, cultural and religious values of people.
Who would want other religious icons of other religions such as Jesus or Prophet Muhammad to be used on a doormat?
Absolutely not. Since the backlash would be avalanche and instant. And why is it that it still happens with Hindu gods?
What Has to Change?
Tightened Seller Policies: Marketplaces such as AliExpress need to be more stringent about culturally sensitive content that they allow.
Engagement of Regional Consultants: To prevent these pitfalls, companies are expected to employ cultural consultants of different regions.
Public Apologies and Accountability: Not only that there is product removal, but there should be accountability by means of publicly recognizing the misstep.
User Reporting Tool: User ability to flag offending or inappropriate listings, should be made easier.
Indian Rights and Action: The Indian authorities should take legal action so that this disrespect can not be left unchecked on international platforms.
Final Thoughts
You should not treat religious sentiments lightly because it is a basic aspect of being a responsible global citizen. What AliExpress did is not the simple case of marketing mishap but rather a harsh reminder that a number of corporations are yet to realize the burden of cultural and spiritual reverence.
There is nothing at stake except the aspects of a product as it is about identity, faith and the boundaries between commerce and conscience.
This should serve as a wake-up call not only to AliExpress but every other company in the world to prioritize respect above revenue.
📅 By News Anek Digital Desk | July 31, 2025
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