Bengaluru streets see viral “scary woman” photo on new buildings

Bengaluru: Anyone walking past a newly constructed building or a house under construction in Bengaluru may have noticed a peculiar sight—a photograph of a wide-eyed, intimidating woman displayed prominently in front. The image, which has now gone viral on social media, has sparked curiosity and discussion among residents.

Traditionally, new homes or buildings are sometimes adorned with masks or objects to ward off the “evil eye” before housewarming ceremonies or first entry. In this case, the space is being occupied by the photograph of a woman with exaggerated expressions, seemingly staring at passersby with a fearful intensity.

Many visitors and residents, including a woman from Maharashtra, were baffled by the repeated sight of this image outside multiple homes. Attempts to identify the image using Google Lens did not yield any information. Her Facebook post about the discovery quickly went viral, garnering over 3.2 million views and igniting discussions online.

Users on social media have offered several explanations for the trend. Many suggest that the photo is intended to protect the building from negative energies or bad luck. Others criticized the use of the woman’s image, expressing concern over privacy and the ethical implications of turning a viral meme into a household deterrent. Some noted that the image has become a popular meme and is widely used for Reels, adding a humorous yet eerie undertone to its display.

According to reports, the woman in the photograph is Kannada YouTuber Niharika Rao, whose exaggerated expression originates from a viral video clip from 2023. Over time, the image evolved into a popular meme, eventually being repurposed as a protective “scare” photo for houses and construction sites. This unusual trend has now become a distinctive feature on several streets of Bengaluru, blending local superstition with viral internet culture.