Bangkok: A heated debate has erupted online after a video of a trans influencer dressed up as Lord Ganesha in Thailand went viral on social media. Netizens criticised her choice of attire, which some found slightly revealing. Many viewed it as disrespectful to religious sentiments.
The undated video was posted on Instagram in which the influencer was identified as being from Thailand. The country, like many in Southeast Asia, has a significant Hindu cultural influence, thanks to the ancient Indian empires that once ruled the region.
Trans influencer dresses up as ‘Gajanani’
View this post on Instagram
In the video, the influencer is seen dressed as ‘Gajanani’, representing Ganesha in a feminine form. The influencer is seen wearing a blue saree, a Ganesha mask and a huge crown. She is surrounded by a crowd of people taking photos and following her as she walks in public.
The influencer reportedly wanted people to view her portrayal from an artistic perspective, Jist News said. She explained that she aimed to highlight the creative process behind her look. This included the use of makeup, innovative colour techniques and the patience required to complete the design. Her goal was to draw attention to the artistry involved rather than religious symbolism.
However, the portrayal has divided opinions. Some social media users were outraged, with one calling it “totally disrespectful and disgusting”, accusing the influencer of lacking understanding of Ganesha’s religious significance.
Others came to her defence, arguing that Hinduism celebrates the diverse forms of deities. Some referenced Lord Shiva’s form as Ardhanarishwar, a form of Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Parvati, to support the influencer’s take on Ganesha. Another user pointed out that the Tantric path in Hinduism includes female forms of Ganesha, such as the goddess Varahi, one of the Matrikas. Yet another referred to Vinayaki, the elephant-headed goddess, generally associated with Lord Ganesha.
