Thu Jul 31 10:25:11 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A major controversy has erupted in Odisha, India, over the sale of doormats featuring the image of Lord Jagannath on Chinese e-commerce platform AliExpress. The act has been widely condemned as offensive and a blatant disrespect of religious sentiments by officials, artists, and political leaders in India. AliExpress has responded by removing the product and apologizing.

**News Article:**

**AliExpress Apologizes, Removes Lord Jagannath Doormats Following Outrage in India**

**Bhubaneswar, Odisha – July 31, 2025** – Chinese e-commerce giant AliExpress has issued an apology and removed listings for doormats depicting the image of Lord Jagannath after a wave of condemnation erupted in Odisha, India. The offensive products sparked widespread outrage, with government officials, artists, and political leaders denouncing the act as a grave insult to religious sentiments and a desecration of the revered deity.

Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida was among the first to voice her strong condemnation on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating that the image of Lord Jagannath is “deeply connected to the soul and emotions of every Odia.” She demanded an immediate apology and removal of the product.

Congress MLA Sofia Firdous echoed the sentiment, calling the sale of the doormats a “blasphemous act” and a “serious attack on cultural and religious sentiments.”

Renowned sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik, a Padma Shri awardee, joined the chorus of disapproval, urging devotees worldwide to raise their voices against the “unacceptable act.” Former MP Amar Patnaik described the incident as a “shameless profanity” and a “desecration of the highest order.”

AliExpress responded to the outcry by stating on X that the item had been reviewed and removed. “We appreciate your report. The item has been reviewed and removed. Community input helps us improve our platform and strengthen our content checks. Thank you for helping us create a safe and friendly online shopping experience,” the company wrote in response to Firdous’ initial post.

While the removal of the product and the apology have been noted, the incident has raised serious concerns about content checks on e-commerce platforms and the need for greater sensitivity towards religious and cultural sentiments in global commerce.

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