Nepalese authorities to remove 22 statues of mythical giant ape from tourist landmarks

Kathmandu: A row over how the yeti looks like has forced Nepalese authorities to remove some 22 statues of the mythical giant ape-like creature from tourist landmarks. The controversy erupted after the authorities installed colourful and massive fiberglass sculptures of squatting yetis at Kathmandu landmarks to start the government’s “Visit Nepal 2020” campaign, an Efe news report said on Tuesday. Some people complained that the mascot looked like a Japanese sumo wrestler and others believed that the statues represented Hindu and Buddhist deities. Some people even started praying in front of the statues that had religious pictures or symbols painted onto them. Pictures of women and children worshiping the mascot went viral on social media. The statue placed at the Basantapur Durbar Square had an image of goddess Kumari painted on its forehead and back. The deity is worshiped by Hindus as well as Buddhists. (IANS)

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