The Universal Society of Hinduism demands the removal of the god Ganesha from the Jack's Precious IPA label.

Members of the Hindu community are requesting that the Belgian brewery The Musketeers withdraw the picture of the god Ganesha from the label of the beer Jack’s Precious IPA. Rajan Zed, the founder of the Universal Society of Hinduism, which claims to represent Hindus throughout the world, has made this known. Zed considers the image to be “inappropriate”, and is demanding an apology from the leaders of The Musketeers brewery.

On the label, the Hindu god is shown holding a machete and a sausage with the logo of the brewing industry on the front. According to Rajan Zed, it is inappropriate to use Hindu deities to commercial ends.

Zed considers, “Ganesha is deeply revered within Hinduism. He is also venerated within temples, sanctuaries and even homes. His image cannot be used for commercial ends.”

He goes on, “Linking the image of Ganesha to an alcoholic drink is also extremely disrespectful.”

Recognisable by his elephant head, the god Ganesha is one of the most popular deities within Hinduism. He is the god of wisdom, intelligence, education and prudence, the patron of schools and those working with knowledge.

In recent years, Mr Zed had already rebuked other breweries, in particular in Brazil and America, for having used a representation of a Hindu deity on labels.

Lars Andersen

The Brussels Times