The Sikkim Ecclesiastical Department has issued an advisory cautioning against the misuse of religious symbols, after tattoos depicting deities in an “objectionable manner” were displayed at the International Tattoo Convention held at Saramsa between October 9–12.

The advisory, issued on Monday, noted that certain tattoos portrayed deities in ways deemed disrespectful, particularly when placed below the waist. It said such depictions were offensive to the faith, beliefs, and customs of the land, and urged people to exercise cultural sensitivity.

“All individuals and artistes must exercise due care and caution while portraying images related to religious traditions. No artistic work should be created or exhibited in a way that could hurt religious sentiments or show disrespect towards any community,” the department stated.

The controversy sparked widespread criticism, prompting the organisers of the tattoo convention to issue a formal apology to the people of Sikkim and the Ecclesiastical Department.