West Bengal’s Jagannath Temple Ad Blunder: Map Lists ‘Female Vibrators’ in Digha

Published on May 1, 2025 | By The Guwahati Tribune Team

A West Bengal government advertisement promoting the newly inaugurated Jagannathdham temple in Digha has landed in hot water after a shocking error. Published in newspapers across India on April 30, 2025, the double-spread ad featured a navigation map that mistakenly listed “Female Vibrators in Digha” as a location, triggering widespread criticism and a social media storm.

A Costly Oversight

The ad celebrated the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony of the Jagannathdham temple, held on Akshay Tritiya and attended by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Located in Digha, a coastal town 180 km from Kolkata, the temple aims to attract Hindu devotees, modeled after the iconic Lord Jagannath temple in Puri, Odisha. The ad included a detailed map showing distances from key locations like Kharagpur, Howrah, and Dum Dum airport, plus a QR code for live-streaming the ceremony.

But the map, likely sourced from an online platform, contained a bizarre mistake. Sandwiched between Amrabati Park and Jagannath Ghat was an entry for “Female Vibrators in Digha,” marked with a shopping bag icon. The error slipped past pre-publication checks, leading to embarrassment for the state government.

Social Media and Political Backlash

The blunder quickly went viral. Bengaluru-based X user Karthik called it a “proofreading fail for the ages,” noting, “In a two-page newspaper spread, the map is crystal clear—including the unwanted listing.” He urged advertisers to verify map screenshots carefully.

Politically, the error fueled controversy. BJP leader Amit Malviya slammed the Mamata Banerjee government on X, calling the mistake “deeply disgraceful” and a “deliberate insult to Hindu sentiments.” He accused the state of lacking “genuine devotion” in its temple outreach.

“This isn’t just a typo—it’s a wake-up call for public campaigns to get it right,” said Priya Sharma, a Kolkata-based media analyst.

Digha’s Context

Digha, a popular beach destination for weekenders and honeymooners, has seen a rise in massage parlors and spas, some with dubious reputations, drawing young crowds. The Jagannathdham temple aims to reposition Digha as a spiritual hub, but this ad mishap has overshadowed its launch.

Why This Matters

For our readers in Northeast India and beyond, this story highlights the importance of accountability in public campaigns, especially for culturally significant projects. It’s a reminder that even small errors can spark big conversations—something young, digitally-savvy audiences can relate to.

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Image Caption: A West Bengal government ad for Digha’s Jagannath temple featured a map error listing “Female Vibrators.” (Credit: Social Media)

Alt Text: Close-up of a newspaper ad for Jagannathdham temple in Digha, showing a map with an erroneous “Female Vibrators” listing.