‘Zero civic sense’: Indian woman’s Thiruvathira dance at Costco goes viral, sparks debate over culture and embarrassment

An Indian woman’s Thiruvathira dance inside a Costco store has triggered a debate online after a video of her dancing while shopping began circulating widely. The clip, originally shared on Instagram and later reposted on X, has crossed 1.7 million views, with users divided over whether performing a traditional dance in a public shopping space is harmless cultural expression or a lack of civic sense.

The woman is seen practising Thiruvathira, a traditional folk dance from Kerala, while moving through the grocery store. Text over the video reads, “When Thiruvathira practice has completely occupied your mind even while shopping.”

An X account that reposted the footage criticised the behaviour, writing, “Zero civic sense only brings unnecessary embarrassment to the entire Indian community!”


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Video sparks debate over public behaviour

The clip has prompted contrasting views about whether the woman’s actions crossed a line in a public space.

One user argued that public performances should be subject to basic situational awareness, writing, “There is a time and place for everything.”

Another commenter, identifying themselves as Indian, called the behaviour embarrassing and unacceptable. The user argued that Indians living abroad should respect local rules and behave responsibly because the actions of individuals can influence perceptions of the wider Indian community.

Others defend her cultural expression

Not everyone agreed that the dance amounted to inappropriate behaviour.

One user questioned the criticism, writing, “Civic sense??? It's a public place and she's not inconveniencing anyone, like any other performance in Central Park or Times Square... Those who are embarassed by her enjoying herself and showcasing her culture, please find other more important stuff to be embarassed about!”

The comment argued that performing in a public setting does not automatically constitute poor civic behaviour, particularly when others are not being disturbed.

Another user took a more sarcastic approach to the controversy, writing, “Just shame her, place her on the ban list, or turn her into an advertisement by putting a placard at your store entrance that says: ‘We entertain the above, but with a fee.’”

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Criticism also focuses on the dance itself

Some reactions went beyond the question of public behaviour and focused on how the traditional dance was being performed.

One commenter wrote, “Forget about civic sense. This idiot has no respect for the dance. She is doing it with shoes on!”

The differing reactions have turned the short shopping-store video into a broader discussion about cultural expression, public conduct and how Indians represent their traditions in public spaces abroad.

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