Washington: An American brewery company has apologised for naming a beer after Hindu goddess Kali and said it is currently scrambling to rename the product, amidst protest in the Indian parliament.
The 'Kali Ma' beer which was scheduled for launch on Tuesday has now been postponed till the Portland-based company Burnside Brewing Co finds a new name to it.
"In response to pleas from the Hindu community we have decided to postpone the limited release of 'Kali-Ma' our imperial wheat ale flavoured with Indian spices and Scotch-Bonnet peppers," the company said in a statement posted on its Facebook page.
"It is NEVER our intention at Burnside to offend or alienate any race, creed, religion or sexual orientation. The inspiration for the beer label simply came from a favourite childhood movie in the 'Indiana Jones' series and we were unaware that it could be offensive to anyone," it said.
"We are currently scrambling to re-name the beer and intend to release it soon afterwards. To those who have been patiently waiting, we humbly ask that you wait just a little longer and to anyone we have offended we sincerely apologise," said Burnside Brewing Co.
'Kali-Ma' the beer was earlier announced as spiced wheat ale involving cardamom, fenugreek, cumin, India dandicut peppers, etc., and showed the picture of Goddess with four arms and three severed heads.
Strongly objecting to the US company launching the beer brand named after Goddess Kali, a demand was made in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday that US Ambassador to India should be summoned and asked to apologise for it.
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