Bhubaneswar, Mar 3 — A tattoo of Lord Jagannath inked on a foreign woman's thigh has sparked significant outrage in Odisha, leading to a police case being registered against her. The incident came to light after a photograph of the tattoo, which was done at a tattoo parlour in Bhubaneswar, went viral on social media.
The photo triggered strong reactions from Jagannath devotees, prompting a formal complaint to be lodged with the Sahid Nagar police station. The police have filed a case under Section 299 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to "deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings by insulting religious beliefs."
The woman, who is reportedly employed by a non-governmental organization, has become the center of the controversy. Subrat Mohani, one of the complainants, expressed that the placement of the tattoo was deeply disrespectful. “Inking Lord Jagannath's image on an inappropriate part of the body hurt our sentiments. It is an insult to all Jagannath devotees and Hindus in general,” he said. The complainants have demanded legal action against those involved in the incident.
In response to the growing backlash, both the foreign woman and the tattoo parlour owner issued public apologies on social media. The woman, in a heartfelt video message with folded hands, explained that she never intended to disrespect Lord Jagannath. “I am a true devotee of Lord Jagannath and visit the temple daily. I made a mistake, and I am very sorry for it,” she said. She assured that she would remove the tattoo once it heals.
The tattoo parlour owner also offered an apology, explaining that the woman had specifically requested the tattoo on her thigh. Despite staff suggestions to place it on her arm instead, the woman insisted on the location. “I was not present at the shop when this occurred, but the artist will either cover or remove the tattoo after 25 days to avoid infection,” he clarified. The woman has agreed to revisit the parlour to either have the tattoo removed or covered up once it is fully healed.
This incident has reignited a discussion on cultural sensitivities and the potential for misunderstandings when religious symbols are used in ways that might offend traditional beliefs.
The case is still under investigation, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
The photo triggered strong reactions from Jagannath devotees, prompting a formal complaint to be lodged with the Sahid Nagar police station. The police have filed a case under Section 299 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to "deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings by insulting religious beliefs."
The woman, who is reportedly employed by a non-governmental organization, has become the center of the controversy. Subrat Mohani, one of the complainants, expressed that the placement of the tattoo was deeply disrespectful. “Inking Lord Jagannath's image on an inappropriate part of the body hurt our sentiments. It is an insult to all Jagannath devotees and Hindus in general,” he said. The complainants have demanded legal action against those involved in the incident.
In response to the growing backlash, both the foreign woman and the tattoo parlour owner issued public apologies on social media. The woman, in a heartfelt video message with folded hands, explained that she never intended to disrespect Lord Jagannath. “I am a true devotee of Lord Jagannath and visit the temple daily. I made a mistake, and I am very sorry for it,” she said. She assured that she would remove the tattoo once it heals.
The tattoo parlour owner also offered an apology, explaining that the woman had specifically requested the tattoo on her thigh. Despite staff suggestions to place it on her arm instead, the woman insisted on the location. “I was not present at the shop when this occurred, but the artist will either cover or remove the tattoo after 25 days to avoid infection,” he clarified. The woman has agreed to revisit the parlour to either have the tattoo removed or covered up once it is fully healed.
This incident has reignited a discussion on cultural sensitivities and the potential for misunderstandings when religious symbols are used in ways that might offend traditional beliefs.
The case is still under investigation, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
