Varamahalakshmi Puja Gives Bengaluru Its Rarest Gift — Zero Traffic
For a day, the city felt slower and friendlier. The conversation was not about frustration, it was about nostalgia.
Bengaluru, a city famous for its long traffic jams, got an unexpected gift on Thursday. The roads were calm. The air felt lighter. Commuters were surprised and happy. The reason? An ongoing festival kept many people at home.
A Reddit post went viral after one user shared their joy. The user wrote, 'Today's traffic and weather was reminiscent of early 2010s Bengaluru. What took me 2 hours to travel yesterday, took me 35 minutes today."
Many on the Internet could relate and replied with their own stories. For a day, the city felt slower and friendlier. The conversation was not about frustration. It was about nostalgia.
Commuters Share Their Joy
'Yeah… today's office ride was bliss!!" one user said. Another wrote, 'I noticed no two-wheeler parking on busy roadsides and much less traffic than usual."
One person pointed out the real issue noting, 'It's not the number of people causing traffic, it's the number of vehicles. We just need good public transport and priority for people over cars."
A Glimpse Into A Better Future
The metro was also less crowded. 'Metro is also not as crowded!" a user noted. For once, even public transport felt comfortable.
Many remembered the simpler days. 'I miss the early 2000s when we could go to Nandi Hills with family," one person said. Others wished the city could stay like this.
The streets were cleaner. The honking was less. The mood was better. People could focus on their day instead of worrying about being late.
What The Day Teaches Us
Experts say traffic is not just about the number of people. It is about how we travel. If more people use buses, metros, and cycles, the roads will be free.
Better urban planning can also help. Wider footpaths, fewer cars and priority for public transport can change the city.
A Rare But Precious Experience
Calm roads. Happy commuters. Less noise and pollution. Many attributed it to the occasion of Varamahalakshmi Puja that coincides with August 8, resulting in holidays in several schools and offices.
The city got a short break from its daily struggle. And people got a reminder of what they miss — a Bengaluru where travel is easy, the air is clean, and life feels a little slower.
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