An East Village shop that sells religious chocolate figurines has come under attack from a Hindu organization.
The Universal Society of Hinduism has asked Bond Street Chocolate to withdraw its edible elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesh.
Society President Rajan Zed says the chocolate statues are an insult to Hindus.
The New York Times says Zed is the society's only-full-time staff member. He's a frequent critic of the nonreligious use of Hindu imagery. He's challenged the Brooklyn Museum in the past over a mural depicting the deity Kali. He also got Urban Outfitters to stop selling a Ganesh duvet cover.
But shop owner Lynda Stern says all spiritual icons in her store are treated equally. She also sells a chocolate Jesus, Moses and Buddha.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
