Use of Mia Khalifa’s image for Hindu festival poster in India sparks outrage

Priests and religious figures protested the posters displayed for the celebration of the Aadi festival in Tamil Nadu.

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The use of Mia Khalifa’s image on promotional hoardings for a Hindu festival has triggered an uproar in India.

Priests and religious figures in Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu, protested vehemently, tearing down the posters in response.

According to local media, the controversy erupted over posters displayed for the celebration of the Aadi festival, which honours the Hindu goddess Parvati.

The festival, which lasts over a week, attracts thousands of participants, and is marked by the display of welcome banners and posters.

One such poster depicted a figure holding a pot of milk—an image intended to represent a priestess. However, the figure shown was Khalifa, causing an immediate uproar among Hindu followers.

The situation escalated as the religious community expressed their anger, leading to police intervention to manage the unrest.