Pune: Woman Uses Humour and ‘Aarti’ Gesture to Stop Bikers Riding on Footpaths; Video Goes Viral
Pune: Woman Uses Humour and ‘Aarti’ Gesture to Stop Bikers Riding on Footpaths; Video Goes Viral
Pune, Pashan: In a city where traffic chaos and creative public responses often go hand in hand, a Puneri woman has found a unique way to tackle the growing issue of bikers riding on sidewalks. A video from Pashan has gone viral for showcasing her witty, non-confrontational method of stopping motorists who attempt to bypass traffic by driving on pedestrian pathways.
The incident, captured and shared by the Instagram page, shows several bikers trying to squeeze through the footpath to avoid congestion. Despite CCTV surveillance and repeated action by traffic police, the practice continues in several parts of the city.
In the video, the woman is seen stepping ahead of the approaching two-wheelers and performing an ‘aarti’ gesture—mimicking the act of holding an aarti plate—towards the riders. The unexpected move leaves motorists momentarily stunned, forcing them to halt and rethink their actions.
Speaking through her symbolic gesture, the message is clear: riders should feel a sense of shame for misusing pedestrian spaces. Her light-hearted approach, blending humour with subtle social commentary, has been widely appreciated by pedestrians and netizens alike.
The clip has garnered over 230,000 views, with social media users praising her creativity. Many termed the act “true awareness,” while others joked about awarding her a “Puneri Nobel Prize.” Several memes have also surfaced, playfully suggesting a new rule: “Riding on sidewalks? Perform an aarti first!”
The viral moment has once again highlighted the ongoing struggle against traffic violations in Pune, and how community-driven initiatives—sometimes with a touch of tradition—can spark impactful conversations.
