Noida Flower Show Ends in Controversy Over Floral Theft and Civic Misconduct
The 38th Noida Flower Show, also known as Vasant Utsav, was intended as a vibrant celebration of spring and craftsmanship. However, the event concluded in controversy on its final evening after visitors allegedly engaged in widespread plucking of flowers from elaborate floral murals and carried away potted plants from Shivalik Park.
Chaotic Scenes Captured on Video
A video recorded on Sunday night has circulated extensively on social media, drawing sharp criticism. The footage shows several visitors pushing through crowds and grabbing calendulas and orchids in bulk, bundling them into bouquets to take home. A man filming the scene can be heard expressing disbelief as people walked off with flowers and pots.
"It's 8.30 pm. They have not come to see the decorations but to destroy them. They appear educated, but are behaving like this," he says in the video, which has triggered an outpouring of reactions online.
Social Media Backlash and Civic Concerns
Social media users condemned the behavior as shameful and reflective of poor civic sense. Instagram user Nikita Negi wrote, "People in Noida are having zero civic sense," while another simply commented, "Shame." This incident is not an isolated lapse in civic behavior, as similar chaos has erupted at other public events in recent times.
Recurring Patterns of Public Misconduct
In January, a similar situation unfolded on the last day of the World Book Fair 2026 at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre in Pragati Maidan. Visitors rushed to grab books from stalls, with some even climbing shelves after a free book giveaway was announced. Footage showed individuals reaching over others to pull books from high displays at the Bloomsbury stall.
Furthermore, in 2023, decorative pots and planters were stolen from Bhairon Marg outside Bharat Mandapam weeks after the G20 summit. Authorities had planted over 1.6 lakh flowering plants to spruce up roads and central verges around Pragati Maidan, highlighting a persistent issue with public property theft.
Event Details and Official Response
The four-day Vasant Utsav, held from February 19 to 22, attracted nearly 10 lakh visitors. Officials reported that crowds peaked on Sunday, with nearly 5 lakh attendees, leading to slow movement inside the venue and traffic congestion outside.
"Overcrowding on the last day led to the nuisance towards the end of the show on Sunday. But this is a public event, and people should treat it as their own," an official said, adding that no action had been initiated so far regarding the floral theft.
Thematic Displays and Horticultural Highlights
This year's show was themed around the Kedarnath shrine, featuring a large floral replica as its centrepiece. Other installations included:
- Trishuls
- Elephants
- Drums
- Earthen pots
- A piano
These elements transformed the park into an immersive, walk-through display. According to the horticulture department, 120 floral varieties were on display at the event, showcasing the diversity and beauty of spring blooms.
The controversy underscores ongoing challenges with civic responsibility at large public gatherings, raising questions about how such incidents can be prevented in the future to preserve the integrity of cultural and horticultural exhibitions.
