NEW DELHI: Hospitality giant OYO Rooms, led by Ritesh Aggarwal, is facing intense criticism after a recent advertisement was deemed offensive by Hindu religious groups.
The ad, published in a Hindi newspaper, featured the tagline “Bhagwan Har Jagah Hai” (God is everywhere), followed by “Aur OYO Bhi” (And so is OYO).
हिंदुओ मेरी आवाज को दूर तलक ले
जाने के लिये साथ दो 🙏OYO जैसे होटलों में क्या होता है क्या नही ये सारी दुनिया जानती है, बिजनेस प्रमोशन में भगवान को बीच मे लाना शर्मनाक है @riteshagar को तुरन्त माफी मांगते हुए ये विज्ञापन हटवाना चाहिये ..#BoycottOYO pic.twitter.com/XFn4NmJSrK
— बागेश्वर बाबा (@BageshwarBaba_) February 21, 2025
This comparison between the company’s presence and God’s omnipresence has sparked outrage, with many accusing OYO of trivializing religious beliefs for commercial gain.
The backlash was swift, with social media erupting in protest under the trending hashtag #BoycottOYO.
Many netizens demanded an immediate apology, with some threatening protests if the advertisement was not retracted. One user wrote, “OYO has insulted Hindu sentiments. If they don’t apologize, protests will happen in every city. Hindus will not stay silent!”
एडवर्टाइजमेंट के लिए इतनी घटिया हरकत कोई कैसे कर सकता है…? #BoycottOYO pic.twitter.com/MGT69Vpj2R
— पंडित नेतन्याहू मिश्रा 𝕋ℙℕ♛ (@Brand_Netan) February 21, 2025
The controversy deepened when OYO’s logo also came under scrutiny. In a past interview, Ritesh Aggarwal revealed that the two ‘O’s in the logo were inspired by the eyes of Lord Jagannath, while the “Y” symbolized the deity’s nose.
This revelation has angered religious groups, who see it as an inappropriate use of sacred imagery for corporate branding. Critics argue that using religious symbols for business promotion disrespects faith and traditions.
This controversy comes as OYO attempts a major brand repositioning. Once associated with budget stays for unmarried couples and young travelers, the company is now trying to establish itself as a family-friendly hospitality brand.
As part of this shift, OYO has introduced a policy allowing partner hotels in certain regions to deny rooms to unmarried couples based on local customs and beliefs.
With growing pressure from religious groups and social media users, it remains to be seen whether OYO will issue an apology or modify its branding strategy.