Why Bengaluru Became a Ghost Town for Diwali

The typically traffic-snarled streets of Bengaluru have fallen into an uncharacteristic silence, as a massive wave of citizens left for their native places to observe Diwali and Deepavali. What was recently a scene of paralyzing gridlock has now become an ‘eerily quiet’ metropolis for the handful of residents who remain. Those navigating the city are experiencing a welcome respite from the usual congestion, with social media abuzz with anecdotes of remarkably short commute times. One commuter humorously noted reaching Indiranagar in just 15 minutes, a testament to the city’s sudden emptiness. This phenomenon has led to witty observations about Bengaluru being a city populated by ‘outsiders,’ with many locals taking advantage of the temporary lull. Reports from other major Indian cities like Mumbai and Delhi echo this sentiment, describing them as ‘ghost towns’ during the festive season. This stark contrast follows a period of intense traffic mayhem just prior to the exodus, where travel across the city was severely hampered. Authorities had braced for this mass departure, issuing travel warnings for key arterial roads. For those who stayed, the extended holiday offers a peaceful interlude, allowing for a tranquil experience of the city amidst its usual high-octane environment.