rationalskepticism.org

Ganesh Versus the Third Reich is yet to open at the Melbourne Festival, but news of its storyline has caused consternation among the Indian community.

In the play, which has been described by its producers as rambunctious fable brimming with humour, the elephant-headed Hindu god rampages through Germany on a quest to reclaim the ancient Hindu symbol of goodwill from the Nazis.

Producers said the play was the result of painstaking research and that every effort had been made to ensure that it was respectful of Ganesh and the Hindu culture.

But Yadu Singh, president of the Council of Indian Australians, said that using Ganesh, the revered god of wisdom, learning and good luck, as a cheap form of entertainment was unacceptable.

"Lord Ganesh is one of the most important gods or deities for the Hindu religion and they are making fun of him, making money out of him," Mr Singh said.