CCTV Footage Reveals Deliberate Trampling of Pongal Kolams in Tamil Nadu
CCTV Footage Reveals Deliberate Trampling of Pongal Kolams in Tamil Nadu – Hindus Outraged Over Attack on Sacred Festival Traditions
By BharatTone Staff Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu | January 17, 2026As the sacred four-day Pongal festival draws to a close in Tamil Nadu, viral CCTV videos have triggered widespread indignation across the country, showing individuals allegedly intentionally trampling and destroying traditional kolam (rangoli) designs prepared with devotion by Hindu families.Pongal, observed from January 13 to 16 in 2026 (with the main Thai Pongal day on January 14), is a profound Hindu harvest festival rooted in gratitude to the Sun God Surya, nature, cattle, and ancestors. Tamil households rise before dawn to draw elaborate kolams at entrances and on streets using rice flour.
These auspicious patterns—symbolizing prosperity, floral abundance, birds, sacred pots, and geometric motifs—serve as invocations for blessings, protection from negativity, and celebration of Bharat’s agrarian heritage.In recent days, multiple CCTV clips from locations including Kanchipuram have circulated widely on social media platforms, depicting:Individuals dressed in abayas walking straight through freshly laid kolams with apparent disregard.Motorbikes accelerating over wet rice-flour designs, completely obliterating sections.
Men casually crossing the patterns during nighttime hours.A disturbing instance of a child, guided or accompanied by an adult, deliberately stepping on, kicking, and smudging large portions of the artwork.These visuals have provoked strong condemnation from Hindu devotees and cultural guardians, who describe the acts as deliberate desecration of a deeply religious tradition.
Many online reactions label the incidents as targeted disrespect toward Hindu customs during one of the most auspicious periods in the Tamil calendar. “Kolams are not mere decorations; they are offerings and symbols of Sanatan Dharma in everyday life. Trampling them is an insult to our faith and heritage,” commented one prominent voice from Andhra Pradesh.Defenders of the acts in some quarters argue that in crowded urban and semi-urban settings like Kanchipuram, kolams frequently extend onto public pathways, footpaths, and roads due to limited private space.
They suggest that some instances may be accidental amid heavy festival traffic and footfall, and that intent cannot be assumed without thorough investigation.As of January 17, 2026 evening, no formal FIRs or police complaints have been lodged in connection with these specific videos, according to available reports. District authorities and Tamil Nadu Police have remained silent on the matter, with no official statements issued. This lack of response has intensified criticism from Hindu organizations and netizens, who question whether authorities are hesitant to act in cases perceived as involving religious sensitivities.
Beyond the controversy, Pongal 2026 was marked by joyful observances across Tamil Nadu: the ritual boiling of sweet rice (Pongal) in earthen pots until it overflows (symbolizing abundance), cattle worship on Maattu Pongal, family reunions on Kaanum Pongal, temple pujas, community feasts, and in rural areas, traditional events like jallikattu.
Homes were adorned with sugarcane, turmeric, mango leaves, and vibrant kolams, reinforcing the festival’s role in preserving Bharat’s cultural and spiritual legacy.The incidents have reignited calls for greater vigilance and respect toward Hindu festivals in public spaces. Community leaders suggest practical measures such as designating protected areas for kolam displays, increased local awareness, or community monitoring to prevent both unintentional and intentional damage.
BharatTone will continue tracking any official action, police updates, or statements from authorities on these disturbing videos.
This episode underscores the importance of safeguarding India’s ancient traditions in an era of shared public spaces and diverse interactions.
