Outrage in Odisha Over Foreign Woman's Lord Jagannath Tattoo

A foreign woman has sparked outrage in Odisha after getting a tattoo of Lord Jagannath on her thigh, leading to a police case filed against her under Section 299 of the Indian Penal Code for allegedly insulting religious sentiments. The incident came to light when a photograph of the tattoo, inked at a Bhubaneswar tattoo parlour, went viral on social media, inciting protests from devotees and religious organizations, including the Hindu Sena. In response to the backlash, both the woman and the tattoo shop owner issued public apologies, with the woman claiming she did not intend to be disrespectful and promising to have the tattoo removed once it heals. The tattoo shop owner revealed that staff had advised against the placement of the tattoo but the woman insisted on it. The controversy has ignited discussions on cultural sensitivity, particularly regarding the portrayal of revered figures in religious contexts. As the situation develops, the community continues to voice concerns about respect for cultural symbols.