Bhubaneswar: A tattoo of Lord Jagannath inked on the thigh of a foreign woman has ignited significant outrage in Odisha. The controversy erupted after the woman was seen showcasing the tattoo at a tattoo parlour in Bhubaneswar, triggering protests from religious devotees and various organizations.
The incident has drawn strong reactions, with many accusing the act of offending the religious sentiments of people in the state and beyond. Activists from the Hindu Sena have filed a formal complaint at the Saheed Nagar Police Station, alleging that the tattoo disrespects Lord Jagannath and his devotees. They have called for strict action against the tattoo shop owner.
In response to the backlash, both the tattoo shop owner and the foreign woman released apologies through social media videos. The shop owner, R.R. Bishoyi, explained that the woman had requested the Lord Jagannath tattoo on her thigh. Despite staff advising her to place the tattoo on her hand instead, the woman insisted on her chosen placement. “I sincerely apologize for this incident. I was not present at the shop when it occurred,” said Bishoyi.
The owner also mentioned that the tattoo artist would either cover or remove the tattoo in about 25 days, and the woman has agreed to return to the shop for this. The foreign woman expressed regret for the incident, clarifying that she never intended to show disrespect and that she is herself a devotee of Lord Jagannath.
Initially, a photo of the tattoo was shared on the tattoo shop’s Instagram account, but it was later deleted following the widespread criticism.
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