‘Ganesha cooking biryani’ banner sparks outrage in TN, owner arrested

Tirunelveli: A promotional banner outside a biryani shop in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli has triggered controversy after it featured an image of Lord Ganesha cooking biryani, amid ongoing Ganeshotsav celebrations across the country.

The advertisement, displayed outside the shop, carried the text “Arabic Style 65 Biryani – Rs 99” alongside the image of Lord Ganesha cooking biryani.

The banner subsequently led to a complaint alleging that the depiction was disrespectful and had hurt religious sentiments.

Police arrested the shop owner, identified as 30-year-old Jayanth, on Sunday following the complaint.

A video of the incident has since surfaced, showing police removing the controversial advertisement from outside the shop.

The complaint was filed by 42-year-old Selvraj, who alleged that the depiction of Lord Ganesha was offensive and hurt religious sentiments.

Police have launched an investigation and are seeking to determine who commissioned the banner and when it was put up outside the shop.

Further investigation into the matter is underway.

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the Chaturthi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. Devotees across the country welcome Lord Ganesha into their homes and public pandals with prayers, offerings and devotional celebrations.