Eyewear giant Lenskart has found itself embroiled in a new controversy as its 2025 Pongal festival advertisement recently went viral, attracting widespread criticism across social media platforms. The ad, which features young models celebrating the harvest festival, has drawn significant backlash for what many perceive as a misrepresentation of Hindu traditions.
Details of the Controversial Ad
The advertisement showcases models in traditional attire engaging in activities like hopscotch and dancing, culminating in a feast. However, several elements within the ad have sparked outrage. Critics specifically highlighted the absence of bindis or tilaks on the models' foreheads, a common traditional accessory during such festivities. Furthermore, the depiction of dates on the Pongal feast table, alongside rice and green chilies served on a banana leaf, was widely questioned by netizens who argued it did not align with typical Pongal culinary customs.
Public and Influencer Reactions
The ad quickly became a talking point, with many users on social media accusing Lenskart of cultural insensitivity and mocking Hindu festivals. Prominent figures also weighed in, including former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai, who labeled it a “very bad Woke adv” and criticized Lenskart and its CEO, Peyush Bansal, for compromising customer interests. Other users expressed dismay over the perceived inaccuracies, questioning the ad's relevance to Pongal and suggesting it presented a distorted view of the festival.
“This is a very bad Woke adv. @Lenskart_com, and @peyushbansal seems to have fallen into the trap of WOKES badly made Ads compromising their customers' interest and making fun of their festivals for no reason. Bad advertising, bad decisions.” – Mohandas Pai
Some critics also pointed to details like plastic marigold flowers in the models' hair and their general appearance, further fueling the debate about the ad's authenticity and respectful portrayal of the cultural event.
Previous Controversy and Lenskart's Response
This latest incident follows closely on the heels of another controversy involving Lenskart's alleged grooming policy for employees. Screenshots of an internal document, which reportedly placed restrictions on religious symbols like bindis and turbans while detailing rules for hijabs, had previously gone viral. Lenskart CEO Peyush Bansal addressed that situation, clarifying that the document was an outdated training material, not an official HR policy, and that the contentious lines had been removed internally before the public outcry. He emphasized Lenskart's commitment to Indian values, stating, “Lenskart was built in Bharat, by Indians, for Indians.”
Despite Bansal's previous assurances, the resurfacing of the Pongal ad controversy indicates ongoing scrutiny of the brand's approach to cultural representation and its public messaging.