Zomato delivery agent (X/@Komal_karanwal)
In a controversial event on Christmas Day, a Zomato delivery agent in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, was compelled to remove his Santa Claus costume by a member of the Hindu Jagran Manch, a local Hindu organization. The incident, captured on video, has triggered widespread debate over cultural sensitivities and festive attire in India.
The viral video shows the delivery agent, dressed as Santa Claus, seated on his motorcycle while being interrogated by a man identified as a member of the Hindu Jagran Manch. The man questioned the agent's choice of attire, asking, “Do you ever dress as Lord Ram during Diwali?” The delivery agent clarified, “No, but the company asked me to wear this costume.” Despite his explanation, he was asked to remove the outfit.
Madhya Pradesh, Indore.
— Komal karanwal (@Komal_karanwal) December 25, 2024
On Christmas, @Zomato dressed its delivery boys as Santa Claus. During deliveries, members of the "Hindu Jagran Manch" forced them to remove the Santa costumes and chanted "Jai Shri Ram" slogans.@IndoreCollector @NCM_GoI pic.twitter.com/wJlB7gbQPX
Sumit Hardia, the district convenor of the Hindu Jagran Manch, later defended the group’s actions. Hardia claimed such costumes were inappropriate in a predominantly Hindu locality, questioning why delivery personnel are made to wear outfits specific to non-Hindu festivals.
“Indore and India are Hindu-majority regions. Why are delivery agents required to enter homes in such costumes? Have they ever been asked to wear saffron attire during Hindu festivals like Hanuman Jayanti or Ram Navami?” Hardia stated to reporters.
The incident has sparked mixed reactions online. While some criticized the Hindu Jagran Manch for unnecessary interference, others supported the call for cultural sensitivity. The controversy has drawn attention to the practices of delivery companies during festive seasons, but Zomato has yet to release an official statement regarding the matter.
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