An influencer has caused a heated debate online after dressing up as Lord Ganesha. The influencer, reportedly a transgender, caused an uproar over the choice of her attire which many would say was slightly revealing.
The undated video, posted on Instagram by Jist News, says that the influencer is from Thailand, one of the several south east Asian nations where Hinduism is popular thanks to the empires ancient Indian Kings built.
The footage shows the influencer dressed as ‘Gajanani’ in a blue saree in public with a Ganesha mask and a huge crown. A swarm of people surrounded her to take pictures while many followed her around.
ALSO SEE: Thailand Scraps Visa Requirements For Indians; The Internet Breaks Into Hilarious Memes
According to Jist News, the influencer said that beyond personal beliefs, she wants viewers to approach the look from an artistic perspective. She tried to draw their attention to the use of makeup, innovative colour techniques, and the design.
But not all were onboard with the idea. One user called it “totally disrespectful and disgusting” and targeted the influencer for “lack of knowledge.” A few others defended the influencer arguing how Lord Shiva is also worshipped as Ardhanarishwar (the combined form of Shiva and Parvati).
“How is it disrespectful at all. Just live shiv and Shakti are one together. Even Ganesha can have different forms,” a user commented.
“It’s not wrong … there is a female Ganesha in Tantric path. She goes by the name Varahi and one of the materikas (sic),” wrote another.
ALSO SEE: Thailand Govt Completely Bans Use Of Marijuana For ‘Fun’; Here’s What It Means
