5 days ago
Kriti Sanon Answers Rakshabandhan Ad Critics With Rakhi Post
Kriti Sanon celebrated Rakshabandhan with her sister Nupur.
They posted a picture of their hands with rakhis tied around their wrists.
Kriti joked that a “Rakhi fashion committee” was still deciding what people should wear.
She was referring to criticism of her clothes in a jewellery advertisement.
Some people thought the outfit did not fit the traditional festival.
Kangana Ranaut criticised the advertisement, while other people supported Kriti.
Some viewers also disliked a scene where she tied a rakhi to a dog.
Kriti said festivals are about feelings and traditions, and GIVA later removed the advertisement.
Kriti Sanon shared a Rakshabandhan photograph showing her and sister Nupur Sanon holding hands with rakhis.
Her caption joked that the “Rakhi fashion committee” was still discussing clothing while they focused on what mattered.
Critics objected to Sanon’s off-white GIVA advertisement outfit, which included a bralette-style blouse, cape and draped skirt.
Kangana Ranaut criticised the campaign, while several celebrities, fans and social-media users defended Sanon’s response and clothing choice.
GIVA withdrew the advertisement after criticism also targeted a scene showing Sanon tying a rakhi to a dog.
- Who
- Actress Kriti Sanon, her sister Nupur Sanon, jewellery brand GIVA, critics including Kangana Ranaut, and Sanon’s supporters.
- What
- Kriti Sanon posted a Rakshabandhan message referring to criticism of her clothing in a festive GIVA advertisement.
- Where
- On Instagram and in online discussion surrounding a GIVA Rakshabandhan advertisement.
- When
- The post was shared on Friday, August 28, 2026, during Rakshabandhan; the advertisement controversy arose earlier.
- Why
- Sanon was celebrating Rakshabandhan with Nupur while responding humorously to debate over her outfit and the advertisement’s portrayal of the festival.
Advertisement Critics
Sanon and Her Supporters
Festival-appropriate clothing
Advertisement Critics
Critics argued that the revealing outfit, including its bralette-style blouse and plunging neckline, did not suit a Rakshabandhan advertisement or its cultural setting.
Sanon and Her Supporters
Sanon said culture and tradition are held in the heart rather than measured by a neckline. Supporters argued that people should be free to celebrate festivals in different ways.
Meaning of Rakshabandhan
Advertisement Critics
Some users said the advertisement did not sufficiently reflect the family-centered and traditional character of the festival, citing the clothing and the absence of elements such as family, sweets and a teeka.
Sanon and Her Supporters
Sanon said Rakshabandhan is a bond of protection and that she and Nupur tie rakhis to each other. She added that their prayers and promises extend to their dogs because they are family.
Pet sequence
Advertisement Critics
Some social-media users objected to Sanon tying a rakhi to a dog after it barked and accused the brand of mocking Indian festivals.
Sanon and Her Supporters
The advertisement presented the scene as part of a celebration involving a pet. Sanon’s latest post did not directly address this criticism.
Key facts
- Social-media caption
- “While the Rakhi fashion committee is still in session 🙈 We’re focusing on what really matters. Happy Rakhi to all.”
- Advertisement brand
- GIVA
- Advertised outfit
- An off-white ensemble featuring a bralette-style blouse, cape and draped skirt.
- Main criticism
- Some social-media users said the outfit was inappropriate for a Rakshabandhan advertisement and its cultural setting.
- Pet-sequence criticism
- Some users objected to a scene showing Sanon tying a rakhi to a dog after it barked.
- Brand response
- GIVA withdrew the campaign and said it had the highest regard and deep respect for Indian culture, traditions and festivals.
- Sanon’s position
- Sanon said festivals derive their meaning from emotions and traditions rather than clothing, and argued that women should not be judged by what they wear.
Quotes
Kangana Ranaut
BJP member of Parliament and actress who criticized the advertisement
“Imagine being this bothered by what another woman chooses to wear. Respectfully, evolve. PS: I'm the one who tied the rakhi, and if I don't have a problem with it, why do you? The essence of festivals is not in the clothes you wear; it is in the emotions and meaning you attach to the traditions.”
thehansindia.com
news18.com
wionews.com
NDTV
“Raksha Bandhan is a bond of protection. My sister and I tie rakhi to each other. We know we can protect each other just as much as a brother would. We pray for each other's health, happiness, and long life. For us, this prayer and promise extend to our dogs too. After all, they are family!”
thehansindia.com
livemint.com
An Instagram user
Social-media commenter defending Kriti Sanon's festival celebration
“You go girl!!! Everyone is free to celebrate festivals in their own manner. In India every festival is celebrated differently by different communities. Inclusivity and tolerance for diversity is the base for this diverse country”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
Kriti Sanon reacts with a Rakhi post amidst ad controversy: While fashion committee is in session
Kriti Sanon Takes A Dig At ‘Rakhi Fashion Committee’ Amid Rakshabandhan Ad Row: ‘We’re Focusing On...'
Kriti Sanon hits back trolls after row over Rakshabandhan ad: ‘Focusing on…’
Kriti Sanon takes a sly dig at 'Rakhi fashion comittee' as she celebrates the festival with sister Nupur
'While Rakhi Fashion Committee Is Still In Session...': Kriti Sanon Takes Dig At Trolls While Celebrating Raksha Bandhan With Sister Nupur Sanon
Kriti Sanon's 'Rakhi Fashion Committee' Post Goes Viral Amid Outfit Row
Related news
Kriti Sanon Defends Raksha Bandhan Ad Amid Backlash
GIVA Withdraws Kriti Sanon Raksha Bandhan Ad After Backlash
GIVA Withdraws Kriti Sanon Raksha Bandhan Ad After Backlash
Kriti Sanon, Nupur Sanon Defend Raksha Bandhan Ad Outfit
Kangana Ranaut Criticizes Kriti Sanon’s Raksha Bandhan Jewellery Ad
Kriti Sanon Defends Raksha Bandhan Message Amid Outfit Backlash
Miss Universe India 2026 Weighs In On Kriti Sanon Ad
Celebrity Looks Show How to Add Whimsy to Everyday Fashion
Rakhi Advertisement Withdrawal Rekindles Debate Over Women’s Clothing
Giva Withdraws Raksha Bandhan Ad After Social-Media Outcry
Kareena Dodges Kriti Ad Debate as Meghna Gulzar Responds
