Bengaluru woman ruins 'Onam Pookalam' made by children in building's lobby, sparks outrage on internet. Watch

The Pookalam was made by children in the complex to celebrate Onam. (Image: @karnatakaportf/X)

A video capturing a Bengaluru resident deliberately destroying a traditional Pookalam – a floral arrangement created for Onam by children in her housing complex – has sparked widespread outrage online. The incident occurred at Monarch Serenity Apartment Complex in Hegde Nagar, east Bengaluru, and involved a woman named Simi Nair, according to multiple social media posts.

The video, which surfaced on X (formerly Twitter), showed Nair arguing with fellow residents about the placement of the Pookalam in a shared lobby area. Despite being informed that the lobby is a common space, she proceeded to step on and destroy the carefully arranged floral design with her feet. The Pookalam was made by children in the complex to celebrate Onam, a major festival in Kerala that symbolises joy, unity, and community.

The clip, shared with the caption, "Simi Nair, a resident of Monarch Serenity Apartment Complex in Bengaluru, deliberately destroyed a Pookalam created by children in the common area to celebrate Onam," has triggered significant backlash on social media. Many users condemned Nair’s actions, criticising her lack of respect for both the children's efforts and the cultural significance of Onam.

That was truly shameless behavior! Simi Nair, a resident of Monarch Serenity Apartment Complex in Bengaluru, deliberately destroyed a Pookalam created by children in the common area to celebrate Onam. This act not only shows a lack of respect for the traditions and efforts of the pic.twitter.com/RrGrb9d3W0
Karnataka Portfolio (@karnatakaportf) September 22, 2024

One user commented, “It’s wicked and cheap mentality. Whatever is the reason.
Respect religion and traditions. Which are spread happiness and joy." Another added, "How did she ever think of destroying others' happiness which was not harming her in any way? Not acceptable."

The Pookalam holds a central place in Onam celebrations, traditionally made from vibrant flowers arranged in intricate patterns. It symbolises harmony and is meant to bring communities together during the ten-day festival.

The video sparked calls for formal action against Nair, with several users suggesting that the apartment association should take disciplinary measures or even file a police complaint. The incident has also prompted wider discussions on social media about the need for respect and tolerance within residential communities, particularly when it comes to cultural and religious traditions.

One user summarised the sentiment, stating, "She and her family should be boycotted by the entire housing society for her this nasty action." Another remarked, "What a vicious and hateful act. Respect for religion and tradition is essential, especially when they bring happiness and joy."

Moneycontrol could not independently verify the exact circumstances leading to the confrontation.