In a striking display of frustration and creative protest, a citizens’ group in east Bengaluru resorted to an extraordinary measure on Saturday, September 27, 2025. Driven by anger over the city’s ever-increasing number of perilous potholes, they conducted a traditional pooja, or prayer ritual, dedicating it to the ‘pothole gods’ in a desperate plea for road safety.
While symbolic acts of protest are not new to Bengaluru, the approach taken by the Bharathinagar Residents’ Forum was particularly poignant. Choosing a prominent pothole as their deity, approximately 20 to 25 members gathered on Webster Road. They adorned the gaping hole with vibrant chrysanthemums and rose petals, even enlisting a priest to conduct the ritual with full religious chants, turning a civic grievance into a solemn, yet powerful, public statement.
Surendra Ravi, the president of the residents’ forum, voiced the community’s profound disappointment. “There are nearly 100 potholes in Cox Town alone, and the repairs carried out so far have been woefully substandard,” he stated. Ravi highlighted the short-lived nature of previous repairs, noting that “the potholes reappear within just days of filling, clearly demonstrating the poor quality of the civic body’s work. This patchwork approach simply isn’t working for us.”
He further lamented the reactive nature of the civic administration. “It is truly unfortunate that the authorities only seem to act when there’s an outcry in the media or widespread public criticism, rather than taking proactive steps,” Ravi added, emphasizing the deep-seated apathy they perceive from local governance.
The impact of these neglected roads is not just an inconvenience; it’s a matter of public safety. Mr. Ravi pointed out that numerous individuals in the area have sustained injuries directly attributable to these treacherous potholes. In response to the persistent inaction, the residents have initiated their own pothole-filling drive, vowing to continue their efforts if civic authorities fail to provide lasting solutions.
“We performed this ‘Homa Pooja’ to the ‘Pothole Gods’ out of sheer desperation, believing it might offer some protection from injury or even death,” Ravi explained. “Beyond this spiritual appeal, we remain committed to filling these dangerous potholes ourselves, to the best of our ability, until the authorities finally heed our calls for safe roads.”