"All this has been done deliberately."
A bizarre feature of a religious festival in Tamil Nadu was Mia Khalifa.
The former adult film star’s face was on a poster for the festival, which was held in Kuruvimalai.
The large poster was seen during the ‘Aadi’ festival. It was reported that the strange image was situated among other boards and festival lights at the Nagathamman and Selliyamman temples.
It showed Mia dressed in traditional Indian attire and was edited to make it appear as though she was carrying a paal kudam (milk vessel), which is part of the festival’s traditional offerings.
She is featured next to deities.
Reportedly, those who put up the poster also placed their pictures on it in an Aadhaar card-like fashion.
The unique poster quickly attracted attention on social media but once it went viral, police took it down.
Nevertheless, the poster caused controversy, with netizens giving their thoughts on the matter.
Some believed it was a deliberate incident, with one writing:
“Deliberately done.”
Another said: “All this has been done deliberately.”
Kuruvimalai, Tamil Nadu: An image of Mia Khalifa was used on a hoarding for the Aadi Perukku festival carrying a traditional milk vessel. Magaral Police Station removed the hoarding pic.twitter.com/xYRcuJqIOb
— IANS (@ians_india) August 8, 2024
One user was angered by the display, commenting:
“How can someone make fun of one’s own religion like this?
“No matter which religion one belongs to, whoever has done this, it is wrong and the sentiments of religious people must have been hurt by this.”
One person called for the culprit to be arrested, writing:
“Definitely it is the printer’s mischief. Immediately arrest the culprit.”
However, some took the opportunity to make light of the situation.
One person said: “It’s not a big deal there. I was there when they posted it.
“So random youths posted it, Mia Khalifa lifting paal kudam. Who would have thought?
“People here are more religious, these banners are just for fun.
“Just a normal day in Tamil Nadu. Nobody will be offended.”
One comment read: “Tamil Nadu poster addiction is next level.”
The festival is traditionally celebrated on the fourth month of the Tamil calendar by the Tamil-speaking population.
Also known as the Adi Monsoon, the festival is organised to pay tribute to the life force of water.
“Devotees also float lights on the waters of major lakes and rivers.
The festival is followed by a procession of women who carry earthen pots with nine different types of grains and walk to the nearest waterbody where the pots are dissolved.
Despite the poster going viral, Mia Khalifa herself has not given her thoughts on the matter.
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