A video showing a woman destroying a Pookalam (floral arrangement) created by children in a Bengaluru residential complex has sparked outrage on social media. The woman, identified as Simi Nair, reportedly vandalized the Pookalam after a disagreement with other residents of the complex over where it should be placed. Simi argued that the floral design should be set up inside individual apartments rather than in the shared lobby. Despite the residents explaining that the lobby was a common area, Simi proceeded to stomp on the Pookalam, destroying it.
The incident was captured on video and quickly went viral online, prompting public backlash. Following the incident, the Sampigehalli Police registered a case against Simi, who hails from Pathanamthitta in Kerala. The Pookalam had been created after Thiruvonam by families in the building, including children, and was a symbol of Onam celebrations.
Social media reactions were mixed. While some users agreed with Simi’s argument about the location, they condemned her actions. One user noted that both sides of the story should be considered before judging. However, the majority, including members of the Malayali community in Bengaluru, expressed the view that Simi should apologise for her disrespectful behaviour. Calls for unity in celebrating cultural traditions without creating division were echoed widely.
