Mumbai Mandal Demands Removal of AI-Generated Ghibli-Style Ganesha Art, Citing Disrespect
A controversy has erupted in Mumbai as the Mumbai Cha Raja Mandal, a prominent religious organization, has called for the immediate removal of AI-generated images depicting Lord Ganesha in the style of Studio Ghibli animation. The group, responsible for overseeing one of the city’s revered Ganesh pandals, labeled the artwork as offensive and disrespectful to the deity, sparking a debate amid the rising popularity of such digital creations on social media.
The Mandal issued a statement expressing deep concern over the trend, which has seen devotees and artists using artificial intelligence to transform traditional images of Lord Ganesha affectionately known as “Bappa” into whimsical, Ghibli-inspired illustrations. “The idols of the Raja and other deities in Mumbai are symbols of our devotion and faith,” the Mandal stated. “Images of deities hold sanctity. Currently, some people on social media are creating ‘Ghibli Art’ from photos of Bappa, which is inappropriate.”
The organization emphasized that these depictions undermine the reverence associated with Lord Ganesha, a widely worshipped figure in Hinduism. They have urged social media users to stop producing such artwork and requested that existing images be taken down from platforms immediately.
This backlash comes as AI-generated art, particularly in the distinctive style of Japan’s Studio Ghibli, gains traction online. The trend has captivated users globally, with many experimenting with the technology to reimagine cultural and religious icons. However, the Mumbai Cha Raja Mandal’s stance highlights a growing tension between modern digital expression and traditional religious sensitivities in India.
The Mandal’s appeal has yet to receive an official response from social media platforms or the creators of the contested images. As of now, the debate continues to unfold, with the organization standing firm on its position that such portrayals cross a line from creativity into disrespect.