Potholes have become increasingly a serious issue across the nation, causing numerous accidents and claiming lives. Despite repeated complaints, the problem persists with road conditions worsening in many cities. Videos and CCTV footage of bike riders and vehicles facing serious accidents often emerge on social media these days. However, in many areas the road conditions don’t change despite repeated requests by locals.
In Bengaluru, potholes are a major concern, with many areas plagued by hazardous road conditions. To protest this ongoing negligence, residents in the Jayanagar area of the city expressed their disappointment in a unique way. They performed puja to a particularly troublesome pothole on the occasion of Varamahalakshmi Vratham day.
A video shared by India Today shows a woman and a man performing a ritual at the edge of a large, water-filled pothole. They can be seen offering flower petals, turmeric powder and kumkum to the pothole, like it’s done during the worshipping of an idol. The protest is reportedly dubbed as ‘Gundi Pujan,’ with an aim of drawing attention of civic authorities to the deteriorating condition of the city’s roads.
Jyothi V, a local resident, voiced her frustration with the Bengaluru’s civic body’s lack of action. “We’ve tried everything, from videos to social media posts, but nothing changed,” she told Times of India (TOI).
Jyothi along with her neighbours gathered at the large pothole early Friday morning to perform the puja.
She told the newspaper that the residents have been facing the issue with the particular pothole for over a year. She noted the irony that despite the frequent use of the road by MP Tejasvi Surya and MLA CK Ramamurthy, this issue has not been addressed.
“It’s time for the government to hold BBMP elections; perhaps that will bring our issues to the forefront,” Jyothi added. She also highlighted a recent incident where a temple priest fell into the pothole and injured himself.
Reacting to the unconventional protest, one user remarked, “And the Govt says it wants a 2nd International airport in Bengaluru…..first mend the roads..create proper drainage system for the incoming monsoon and Provide clean potable water to drink…2nd, 3rd and 4th International airports can Wait !!!!!”
Another user proposed, “Start naming them the party leaders. Pick the top 10 and name them. Start calling by that name in media posts till they are repaired. Identify and vote for Sonia crater, Rahul Crater, Kharge Crater and Siddu Crater etc.”
While one praised the protest, saying, “Nice way to protest,” another skeptical commenter stated, “You can 1,00,00,000 poojas, nothing will change.”
This isn’t the first instance of Bengaluru residents using puja to draw attention to a poor road condition. In 2021, locals performed a puja on a potholed road, hoping to prevent any accidents or injuries caused by the dangerous roads.
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