‘Deepavali guys stayed, Diwali guys left’: Bengaluru roads empty ahead of festival

As Diwali approaches, Bengaluru's streets are surprisingly quiet, with many residents having left for the holiday.

Published on: Oct 19, 2025, 09:29:39 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

As the festival of lights approaches, the streets of Bengaluru are eerily quiet, a dramatic contrast to the frenzy just a week ago when thousands of city-residents were streaming out of town ahead of the holiday.

With many gone for the long weekend, the city’s work-day rhythm persists but on unusually clear roads, (Representatioal Image)

One commuter quipped, “Umm, half of Bangalore is empty, which means I can reach Indiranagar in 15 mins, MG Road in 20 mins, and the airport in an hour. But what am I doing instead? Going to my client’s office for a meeting.”

(Also Read: ‘Potholes are natural after rain’: Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara defends Bengaluru roads )

Another noted the odd sense of vacancy, “What do I do in Bangalore? Roads are empty. Seems like everyone except Bangaloreans live in Bangalore.” Social-media posts echoed similar thoughts, “Right now, all the Tier 1 cities are practically empty, that legendary metro traffic problem? Gone. Everyone’s packed up and left for their hometowns to celebrate Diwali 2025 with family. Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, all looking like ghost towns right now.” And one succinctly summed it up, “Bengaluru situation right now. Deepavali guys stayed, Diwali guys left. Khali khali roads is a bliss.”

Just days ago motorists were stuck in gridlock on the Outer Ring Road a bus-breakdown caused motorists to crawl for nearly two hours to cover just 12 km.

Authorities had issued travel advisories for several exit routes, including Hebbal, Mysuru Road and Hosur Road, expecting heavy outbound traffic.

Now, with many gone for the long weekend, the city’s work-day rhythm persists but on unusually clear roads, fewer horns, fewer jams, and an almost surreal calm. For those remaining, the unexpected quiet offers faster commutes and a rare glimpse of Bengaluru without its usual congestion.

Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

(Also Read: No traffic, no deadly potholes: Man compares Bengaluru’s infrastructure with Tokyo, Sparks debate )

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest City News, local updates, weather alerts and breaking stories from Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and other major cities across India on Hindustan Times.