Malayalam New Year, known as Vishu, was celebrated in Kerala on April 15 this year. The day is marked with prayers, family rituals, and special meals. It is seen as a fresh start and is believed to bring hope, good luck, and positive energy for the year ahead. One of the most important parts of Vishu is the Vishukkani ritual.
On the morning of Vishu, people wake up and first look at a special arrangement. This setup usually includes rice, fruits, vegetables, a golden cucumber, coconut, betel leaves, a mirror, a lamp, holy books, and coins. It is believed that seeing this first brings prosperity and happiness.
An Ad Sparks Strong Reactions Online
Now, a post on X (formerly Twitter) has upset many people. The post talks about an advertisement that
uses a Vishukkani setup in a way that some found disrespectful. The image shows a festive arrangement similar to Vishukkani. But instead of only traditional items, a pair of footwear is placed at the center as part of a promotion. The ad also includes festive wishes and brand details, making it clear that it is meant for marketing.
A user shared the image and wrote, “If this was not deliberate, then what is this? Look at it carefully. A Vishu kani setup, a sacred symbol, And inside it… footwear placed for promotion. This is not random..this is not creativity.This is using tradition without respect.”
“After everything that happened, after all the backlash, still the same pattern continues.. Different brands Same mindset. How many “designer mistakes” will you accept? At some point, you have to ask: Is this ignorance… or intention?,” the user added.
If this was not deliberate, then what is this?
Look at it carefully.
A Vishu kani setup,a sacred symbol, And inside it… footwear placed for promotion.🤬🤬
This is not random..this is not creativity.
This is using tradition without respect.After everything that… pic.twitter.com/1v6e4qx8go
— MAHARATHI (@MahaRathii) April 18, 2026
People Question The Intent Behind It
As more people saw the post, many shared their anger in the comments. Some believed the act was done on purpose, while others said it showed a lack of understanding of traditions.
A user wrote, “Deliberate. intentional.” Another said, “Indeed deliberate! Knowing very well that footwear is strictly not allowed when entering a place of worship for Hindus, you mock us by placing footwear in a divine offering that we make to the Gods! Time to call out such intentional misdemeanours!”
Another comment read, “Pls take action urgently. This is intentional. No one from this company or Firm gave a thought before creating this kind of advertising. Can’t digest.” A person also said, “This should be taken down. This is public humiliation of a centuries old tradition of Bharat. And this is definitely intentional.”
Some users even called for strict action. A comment stated, “This is deliberate. The only way to stop this is the complete boycott of these brands.”
