Kerala Vishu Poster Row: Hotel Faces Backlash Over Lord Krishna Image in Non-Veg Ad
A major controversy has broken out in Kerala after a hotel’s promotional poster released during the Vishu festival triggered widespread backlash. The dispute centres around Meher Mandi and Grills, located in Cherthala in Alappuzha district, which shared a festive advertisement that many have termed offensive.
The poster, issued to mark Vishu—the Malayalam New Year—featured an image of Lord Krishna placed alongside non-vegetarian dishes such as biryani and chicken fry. The depiction drew sharp criticism, as Lord Krishna, revered as an incarnation of Vishnu, is not associated with non-vegetarian food in Hindu tradition.
Social Media Backlash
The advertisement quickly went viral, prompting strong reactions from devotees and social media users. Many accused the hotel of hurting religious sentiments and described the act as deliberate rather than accidental. Critics also said that experimenting with religious symbols in such a manner, especially during festivals, has become increasingly common and unacceptable.
The advertisement quickly went viral, prompting strong reactions from devotees and social media users. Many accused the hotel of hurting religious sentiments and described the act as deliberate rather than accidental. Critics also said that experimenting with religious symbols in such a manner, especially during festivals, has become increasingly common and unacceptable.
Hotel Owner Apologises
Following the backlash, the hotel’s owner, Mohammed Shameer, issued a public apology through a video statement. He clarified that the poster was not created intentionally to offend anyone and attributed the issue to a mistake by a graphic designer.
Following the backlash, the hotel’s owner, Mohammed Shameer, issued a public apology through a video statement. He clarified that the poster was not created intentionally to offend anyone and attributed the issue to a mistake by a graphic designer.
He further stated that the promotional work had been outsourced and was uploaded without proper review. Offering an unconditional apology, he said there was no intention to hurt the sentiments of the Hindu community.
Vishu poster row: Meher Mandi & Grills has released an apology video on Instagram after backlash.
— Megh Updates (@MeghUpdates) April 17, 2026
They say, “Designer’s mistake.” “Poster was outsourced.”
The ad used a cartoon image of Lord Krishna (Vishnu avatar) to promote non-veg food. pic.twitter.com/v6wcitj5Ta
Hindu Groups Remain Unconvinced
Despite the apology, Hindu organisations such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad have rejected the explanation. They argued that such incidents often follow a pattern—offending religious sentiments first and then issuing apologies.
Despite the apology, Hindu organisations such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad have rejected the explanation. They argued that such incidents often follow a pattern—offending religious sentiments first and then issuing apologies.
Leaders also questioned whether similar representations would be made using symbols from other religions. The VHP has called for protests to condemn the incident.
Although the controversial poster has since been removed, tensions continue in the area. Several Hindu groups have demanded strict legal action against the hotel management, calling the incident a serious insult carried out during a significant religious festival.
Although the controversial poster has since been removed, tensions continue in the area. Several Hindu groups have demanded strict legal action against the hotel management, calling the incident a serious insult carried out during a significant religious festival.
Two Arrested Over Vishu Poster
Two persons were arrested on Friday in connection with sharing the Vishu-day promotional poster on WhatsApp, police said.
According to the FIR, the accused shared the poster on the WhatsApp to allegedly hurt religious sentiments of the Hindu community.
Two persons were arrested on Friday in connection with sharing the Vishu-day promotional poster on WhatsApp, police said.
According to the FIR, the accused shared the poster on the WhatsApp to allegedly hurt religious sentiments of the Hindu community.
