Criticism of Louis Vuitton for Making Yoga Mats from Cowhide in Hinduism

▲Yoga mat made by Louis Vuitton

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Luxury brand Louis Vuitton has faced condemnation from Hindus worldwide after releasing a yoga mat made from cowhide.

According to the Associated Press on the 22nd (local time), Rajan Zed, president of the Universal Hindu Council, issued a statement strongly criticizing, saying, "It is highly inappropriate for Louis Vuitton to use cowhide in making yoga mats."

President Zed said, "It is painful to imagine practicing yoga, a profound and sacred discipline originating from Hinduism, on a mat made from a dead cow."

He further urged Louis Vuitton’s management to "adhere to the code that defines ethical and social responsibility," adding, "They must not desecrate sacredness, mock serious spiritual practice, or belittle the Hindu community."

In Hinduism, cows are regarded as sacred symbols of life.

The yoga mat released by Louis Vuitton is made of canvas fabric and cowhide and is being sold online for $2,390 (approximately 2.65 million KRW).

The Universal Hindu Council, a non-sectarian organization, has been running campaigns criticizing companies that commercially exploit religious symbols.

Recently, they urged Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world's largest beer company, to change the trademark name of Brahma beer, which shares its name with the Hindu creator god, and requested nightclubs to refrain from using Hindu and Buddhist images as decorations.

In August, they also criticized online furniture retailer Wayfair before it launched towels featuring Ganesha, one of the Hindu deities.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.