Noida: A picturesque four-day flower exhibition at Shivalik Park in Sector 33, Noida, concluded not with quiet appreciation, but with a surprising and widely condemned spectacle of public appropriation. What began as a celebration of horticulture ended in a “bloom heist,” as scores of attendees were captured on video openly carting away the very flowers and ornamental plants that had graced the exhibition’s stalls.
The incident, which unfolded shortly after the event’s closure, has since gone viral across social media platforms. The rapidly circulating video footage shows a chaotic scene of individuals unashamedly walking off with potted plants and decorative flora, raising significant questions about the security measures in place. Observers are now asking whether the crowds gathered were there merely to admire the botanical wonders or to seize an opportunity for an impromptu “garden raid.”
“Part 2 of flowers stealing.” 🚨
“They fought when confronted for theft.” 🔥
People were stealing flowers meant for decoration. When some youth tried to stop them, they started fighting with them.
This is the civic sense of educated Indians of NCR. Now think about other parts. https://t.co/bbMl6jtoDC pic.twitter.com/mTrtecQFIF
— Suraj Kumar Bauddh (@SurajKrBauddh) February 23, 2026
The exhibition itself was a grand affair, showcasing a vibrant array of indigenous and international flower species, alongside various ornamental plants and nursery equipment, spread across more than 40 stalls. Even decorative elements, including bicycles adorned with flowers, were part of the extensive display designed to connect city residents with nature and beauty.
The online community has reacted with a mix of outrage and dismay to the viral video. Many have denounced the behaviour as sheer “chaos,” while others have attributed it to public “insanity” and a lack of civic sense. A common sentiment emerging from the discussion is that such a large-scale public event warranted a more robust security presence, arguing that timely arrangements could have prevented the embarrassing free-for-all.
Beyond the immediate shame, citizens express concern that such incidents tarnish Noida’s reputation, potentially deterring future cultural events. There is a strong demand for enhanced security protocols and clear guidelines for the organisation of similar public gatherings moving forward.
As of now, the organisers and local authorities have remained silent, offering no official statement on the matter. The incident has, however, ignited a fervent public debate on event management, civic discipline, and the true purpose of public exhibitions. The online community now awaits an official response from the administration regarding this unusual and unfortunate conclusion to what was intended to be a beautiful floral display.