In a statement on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020, Rajan Zed, president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, called on Louis Vuitton to pull a yoga mat made partly from cowhide leather, saying the mat is "highly inappropriate" to practicing Hindus who regard cows as sacred symbols of life.
Paris-based Louis Vuitton did not immediately respond Tuesday to messages from The Associated Press seeking comment.
The company's yoga mat, made mostly of canvas with leather details and a cowhide carrying strap, retails for $2,390 online.
In an email to AP, Zed called on Louis Vuitton executives to apologize and adhere to its corporate code of conduct, which includes commitments to ethical and social responsibility.
In August, online home goods giant Wayfair pulled a towel depicting the Hindu deity Lord Ganesha after the coalition objected.