Luxury Brand Neiman Marcus Accused of Trivializing Hindu Deity with $940 Cufflinks

Dallas-based luxury retailer Neiman Marcus is once again under fire for selling cufflinks shaped like Lord Ganesha, a deeply revered Hindu deity. The $940 “Ganesha Cufflinks,” made in the USA, are currently available for purchase on the company’s website, reigniting a controversy that first erupted in April 2021.

At that time, Neiman Marcus pulled the product from its shelves after widespread protests from the Hindu community, who called the cufflinks “highly inappropriate.” Now, the decision to reintroduce the item has drawn sharp criticism from Hindu leaders and devotees alike.


Rajan Zed, President of the Universal Society of Hinduism, has spearheaded the protest against the cufflinks. In a statement released from Nevada, Zed expressed his dismay, stating, “Lord Ganesha is meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines, not to be used as a fashion accessory or to secure the cuffs of dress shirts.”

Zed urged Neiman Marcus to immediately withdraw the product and issue a formal apology to the Hindu community. He emphasized that the misuse of sacred Hindu symbols for commercial gain is deeply offensive to devotees.

“Hinduism is the oldest and third-largest religion in the world, with about 1.2 billion followers,” Zed noted. “Its symbols and deities should not be mishandled or taken frivolously, regardless of the faith’s size or influence.”

Zed warned that the insensitive handling of religious symbols can lead to the erosion of spiritual doctrines and the disrespect of revered icons.

The Ganesha Cufflinks, described as “sterling silver plated with rhodium,” are marketed as “hand-painted in a process that takes 7 hours.” However, for many Hindus, the product’s luxurious description does little to justify its inappropriate use of a sacred symbol.

Will Neiman Marcus heed the calls for respect and withdraw the product once again? Or will the pursuit of profit continue to overshadow the importance of cultural sensitivity? For now, the ball is in the retailer’s court.

Stay tuned as this story develops.