Gangtok: The Sikkim Ecclesiastical Department has issued an advisory cautioning individuals and artistes against depicting religious symbols in an “objectionable manner,” following controversy over tattoos displayed at a recent event in the state.
According to the advisory issued on Monday, certain tattoos showcased during an event in Sikkim portrayed deities “in a manner deemed disrespectful, particularly when placed below the waist.”
The department noted that such depictions were “offensive to the faith, beliefs, and customs of the land,” urging people to maintain cultural sensitivity and respect religious sentiments.
The advisory called on all individuals and artists to exercise “due care and caution” while portraying images linked to religious traditions, stressing that no form of artistic work should be created or exhibited in ways that could “hurt religious sentiments or show disrespect towards any community.”
The issue arose after alleged inappropriate depictions of deities were displayed during the International Tattoo Convention held at Saramsa between October 9 and 12. Following public outrage, the organisers of the event issued a formal apology to the people of Sikkim and the Ecclesiastical Department.
The department reiterated that while artistic expression is valued, it must be balanced with awareness and sensitivity to the state’s diverse cultural and religious ethos.
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