Gangtok: Taking serious note of the depiction of religious symbols in an “objectionable manner” on tattoos of participants at a recent event in Sikkim, the state Ecclesiastical Department has issued an advisory cautioning people against hurting religious sentiments.
“Certain tattoos displayed during a recent event portrayed deities in a manner deemed disrespectful, particularly when placed below the waist,” the advisory issued on Monday stated.
It emphasized that such depictions offend the faith, beliefs, and customs of the community, urging people to exercise cultural sensitivity.
The advisory called on individuals and artists to take due care when portraying images related to religious traditions.
“No artistic work should be created or exhibited in a way that could hurt religious sentiments or show disrespect towards any community,” it added.
The alleged inappropriate depictions occurred during the International Tattoo Convention held at Saramsa from October 9 to 12. Following public outcry, the organisers of the event formally apologised to the people and the Ecclesiastical Department.
