A video of an Indian woman performing Thiruvathirakali inside a Costco store has kicked off a debate online, with people split over whether the moment was harmless fun or simply inappropriate behaviour in a public place.The clip, which was first shared on Instagram and later circulated on X, shows the woman practising Thiruvathira while shopping. Text added to the video reads, “When Thiruvathira practice has completely occupied your mind even while shopping.”The dance is a traditional folk performance from Kerala, usually performed by women in a circle. But the setting has become the main talking point online.An X account sharing the video criticised the woman, writing, “Zero civic sense only brings unnecessary embarrassment to the entire Indian community!”Others were even more direct. One commenter objected not just to the location but to the way the dance was being performed, saying she was showing “no respect” for the tradition by dancing with shoes on.But the criticism wasn’t universal.Some users questioned what exactly was wrong with the incident if she wasn’t disturbing anyone around her. “What’s wrong? Is she disturbing anyone? Every type of person does this!” one person wrote.Another pushed back against the idea that public spaces should always be quiet and restrained. “Should public places be calm, boring and unexpressive?” the user asked, adding that people shouldn’t expect every public space to be completely homogeneous.There was also a wider discussion about how Indians behave abroad. One commenter said they found the video embarrassing and argued that people living in other countries should respect local rules and public spaces. The user also warned that the actions of a few people can sometimes shape perceptions of much larger communities.Others, however, felt that reaction was excessive, especially when people from many backgrounds regularly record themselves dancing or making videos in public.So the debate isn’t really about Thiruvathirakali itself. It’s about where people draw the line between cultural expression, personal freedom and basic consideration for others. And, judging by the comments, there’s no agreement yet on where that line should be.
