Lenskart, an eyewear company in India, is facing significant backlash over a Pongal-themed advertisement that many social media users believe misrepresents the traditional harvest festival. The criticism began when Krithika Sivaswami questioned the use of dates in the ad, stating that they are not typically consumed during Pongal celebrations. This reaction has been amplified by previous controversy regarding an alleged internal dress code that purportedly restricted certain religious expressions, such as wearing a bindi or tilak. Peyush Bansal, the founder of Lenskart, responded to the criticism by stating that the document circulating online was outdated and did not reflect the company's current policies, which are inclusive of all religious expressions. He emphasized that Lenskart values its cultural identity and the diverse traditions of its employees. Despite these assurances, some users are calling for a boycott of the brand, expressing that the ad does not align with Hindu customs and traditions.