India Pils beer of Tempest Brewing no-watermark
Upset Hindus are urging Tweedbank (Galashiels, Scottish Borders, Scotland) based Tempest Brewing Co. to apologize and withdraw its Lord Ganesha image carrying India Pils beer; calling it highly inappropriate.
“Channel your inner Ganesha and overcome all obstacles with our hoppy pilsner. Clean, cold and crisp fermentation meets juicy dry hops and refreshing bitterness. With a crisp, fruity hop flavour and great drinkability, you’ll be at peace in no time. Namaste!” its website description states.
Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that inappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts or symbols for commercial or other agenda was not okay as it hurt the devotees.
Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, indicated that Lord Ganesha was highly revered in Hinduism and was meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to be used in selling beer for mercantile greed. Moreover, linking Lord Ganesha with an alcoholic beverage was very disrespectful.
Hinduism was the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about 1.1 billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken frivolously. Symbols of any faith, larger or smaller, should not be mishandled, Rajan Zed noted.
In Hinduism, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as god of wisdom and remover of obstacles and is invoked before the beginning of any major undertaking.
This awards-winning craft brewery, established in 2010, claims to “make creative beers inspired by the world” and states that its beers are “Vegan Friendly”. Besides its retail shop and online sales, its “beer is available in many bars and bottle shops across the UK and abroad”. Gavin Meiklejohn and Annika Meiklejohn are co-founders, while Douglas Rowe is the Head Brewer.
“India Pils” Brew Sheet on the website points out: ABV 5.2%; Bitterness 30 IBU; Malt—Golden Promise, Wheat, Flaked Oats; Pairs with Burgers, Grilled Meats, Chicken Wings, Soft Cheeses; Suitable for Vegans. Its can is priced at £3.10.