Hindu groups stage protest outside Lenskart showroom in Bhopal:Apply Tilak on employees, claims dress code policy disrespects ‘Sanatan Dharma’

Amid the ongoing controversy over Bindis, Tilaks, and workplace dress code at Lenskart, members of the Hindu Utsav Committee staged a protest outside a Lenskart showroom in Roshanpura, New Market area of the state capital on Tuesday. The activists surrounded the showroom and applied a Tilak on employees while tying Kalawa (sacred thread) on their wrists, chanting religious slogans. They raised slogans stating that “insult to Sanatan will not be tolerated in India.” Call for boycott and Strong protest Hindu Utsav Committee president Chandrashekhar Tiwari said the organisation has called for a boycott of Lenskart. He stated that symbols such as Tilak, Kalawa, and Bindi must be respected in India, and any attempt tthe o restrict them would not be tolerated. Tiwari also said that although the company CEO, Piyush Bansal, has issued an apology, the organisation does not accept it. He added that if necessary, they could also work against the company’s business interests. Protest inside showroom Maharaj Anil Anand said that as part of the protest, activists entered the showroom and applied a Tilak and tied a Kalawa on the employees as a symbolic act. He said the aim was to send a message that restrictions on religious traditions would not be accepted. He added that companies operating in India must respect local culture and religious sentiments, warning that any perceived targeting of Sanatan traditions would face continued opposition. Controversy over ‘grooming guide’ A so-called “grooming guide” circulating on social media intensified the controversy. It allegedly stated that female employees were not allowed to wear Bindi or hair clips and were restricted from wearing Kalawas or wristbands. It also reportedly allowed hijab and turban under certain conditions, further fuelling objections from protesting groups. Company clarification Following the backlash, CEO Piyush Bansal clarified that the company respects all religions and allows employees to wear symbols of their faith. However, protesting groups remain dissatisfied with the clarification and have indicated that their agitation will continue.