As Diwali 2025 nears, Bengaluru’s busy roads have transformed into unusually quiet streets. With most residents heading to their hometowns for the long weekend, the city’s famous traffic jams have all but disappeared — offering a rare, peaceful sight for those who stayed behind.
Calm Before the Festive Rush
In sharp contrast to last week’s rush, when thousands left the city ahead of the festival, Bengaluru now looks almost empty. Many locals took to social media to share their delight over the rare calm.
One user humorously posted, “Half of Bangalore is empty! I can reach Indiranagar in 15 minutes, MG Road in 20, and even the airport in an hour!”
Another joked, “What do I do in Bangalore now? Roads are empty. Seems like everyone except Bangaloreans live here.”
Social Media Flooded With Witty Reactions
Platforms like X (formerly Twitter) were filled with memes and light-hearted takes. One viral post summed up the city’s mood perfectly:
“Bengaluru situation right now — Deepavali guys stayed, Diwali guys left. Khali khali roads are bliss.”
Users also noted that other Tier 1 cities like Delhi and Mumbai looked quieter than usual as people left for Diwali celebrations with their families.
From Gridlock to Smooth Drives
Just days ago, commuters were stuck for hours on the Outer Ring Road, where a bus breakdown caused massive gridlocks stretching over 12 km. Travel advisories were issued for Hebbal, Mysuru Road, and Hosur Road, anticipating heavy outbound traffic.
Now, the scenario has flipped. With most residents away, Bengaluru’s roads are open and peaceful, with minimal honking, no long queues, and breezy commutes.
A Rare Peaceful Bengaluru
For those spending the festival in the city, the silence comes as a refreshing change. The city’s workday rhythm continues, but without its usual chaos. The unexpected calm is giving residents a glimpse of what Bengaluru could be — serene, organized, and wonderfully traffic-free.
