IMD warns of intermittent rain through the festival week as cyclonic systems brew in both the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal; shopkeepers and event organisers count on early shoppers to salvage the season.
By Sarhind Times South Bureau
Bengaluru | October 19, 2025
As the city readies for Diwali’s sparkle, the sky is preparing for showers.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rain and thunderstorms across Bengaluru and several parts of Karnataka during the festive week, warning that an evolving cyclonic system over the Bay of Bengal and a trough from the Arabian Sea could converge to bring cloudbursts and lightning on and after October 23.
For a city that has turned festival streets into glowing shopping corridors, the timing couldn’t be worse. Markets that usually hum with families hunting for lamps, sweets, and silk sarees now carry an undercurrent of nervousness.
“Our worry is not about rain itself, but its unpredictability,” sighed Nagaraj R, a shop owner on Commercial Street. “When it pours in the evening, people just stay home and buy online.”
The Weather Setup: Twin Systems at Play
Meteorologists describe this week’s rain as part of a larger “post-monsoon handshake” between the Arabian and Bay branches.
An east-west trough line extends from Lakshadweep to South Andhra, drawing moisture inland, while a developing low-pressure area in the southeast Bay—expected to strengthen around October 21—could pull additional humidity into southern India.
“It’s a complex but not unusual scenario,” explained Dr. C.S. Patil, Director of IMD Bengaluru.
“When both seas are active, interior Karnataka gets convergence rainfall. We expect intermittent showers, mostly in the evenings and nights.”
IMD models show moderate rainfall (20–40 mm/day) between October 21 and 25, with isolated heavy falls in Bengaluru Urban, Ramanagara, Mandya, and Mysuru. Lightning risk is rated “moderate,” prompting advisories for outdoor gatherings.
Traders Count Costs and Clouds
On Avenue Road and Malleswaram Market, Deepavali means peak sales — a make-or-break week that defines annual revenue for thousands of small traders. But this year, with cloudy afternoons and traffic diversions for roadworks, many are trimming expectations.
“We stocked 40% less than last year,” said Farzana Sheikh, who runs a boutique in Jayanagar.
“Rain is one problem, but people have also become cautious with spending. The weather just adds another reason to postpone.”
The Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) estimates that Bengaluru’s festive retail turnover, typically around ₹8,000 crore, could fall by 10–12% if rains persist beyond 48 hours.
Jewellery and electronics stores — major beneficiaries of Dhanteras sales — are offering early-bird discounts to beat the downpour window. Malls such as Orion, Phoenix Marketcity, and Forum South have extended opening hours and added covered parking to attract footfall.
“We’re seeing a clear rush between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., before the rain starts,” said Anirudh Krishna, regional head of a consumer electronics chain. “Evening sales are duller this year.”
Street Vendors and Florists Hit First
The informal sector feels the rain first and worst.
Outside KR Market, vendors who rely on foot traffic to sell diyas and garlands have resorted to makeshift tarpaulin roofs, losing half their inventory to dampness.
“Flowers wilt, lamps break, sweets get soggy,” said Lalitha Devi, a flower-seller from Chickpet. “We can’t store them overnight — everything depends on one or two good dry days.”
The BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) has urged citizens to support local markets instead of malls, emphasizing that traditional traders form the city’s cultural backbone. Street sweepers, meanwhile, face an ironic challenge: clearing waterlogged pavements just to make way for festive stalls that may flood again by evening.
The Civic Scene: Pumps, Drains, and Promises
To prevent a repeat of the 2022 Deepavali flooding, when several neighborhoods saw waist-deep water, BBMP and BWSSB have mobilized 150 emergency teams. Pumping units have been stationed in Koramangala, Indiranagar, Bellandur, and HSR Layout — all notorious for blocked drains.
“We’re better prepared this time,” assured Chief Engineer (SWD) Manjunath Prasad.
“Silt has been cleared from primary and secondary drains. Mobile control rooms will track complaints via the BBMP Sahaaya app.”
Still, residents remain skeptical. Whitefield Rising, a civic group, circulated maps of flood-prone junctions, urging people to avoid underpasses during heavy spells — a warning born of bitter experience after last year’s fatal inundations near KR Circle.
Festive Spirit Meets Meteorology
Despite gray skies, Bengaluru’s enthusiasm remains undimmed.
Rangoli competitions, Diya lighting workshops, and cultural shows continue under covered arenas. The Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath opened its annual “Light & Clay” exhibition, showcasing eco-friendly diyas made by rural artisans.
“We’re telling the story of sustainability,” said curator Meena Rao. “Rain or shine, Deepavali is about resilience — just like Bengaluru.”
On MG Road, civic volunteers from EcoSeva Collective distributed seed crackers and LED diyas made of recycled glass. Children queued up to swap traditional firecrackers for saplings, echoing a citywide campaign titled “Green is the New Glow.”
Commuters and Safety: BBMP’s Cautionary Tale
Rain’s other gift to Bengaluru is traffic gridlock.
The Bengaluru Traffic Police has warned of peak congestion on October 23–25, particularly around commercial hubs, where parking chaos often collides with festival rush.
“Avoid non-essential travel during heavy rain alerts,” urged Joint Commissioner (Traffic) M.A. Saleem. “Motorists must avoid underpasses and follow diversions promptly.”
The city’s control room (080-2297-5595) will remain operational round-the-clock. BBMP marshals will assist with fallen trees and power cuts, while the BESCOM helpline has prepped for transformer trips.
Hotels and Events: A Cloud with a Silver Lining
Paradoxically, for hotels and event planners, rain can be a blessing.
With outdoor gatherings at risk, many families are booking banquet halls and indoor resorts, boosting occupancy. Taj West End and Leela Palace report near-full bookings for festive dinners.
Rain-themed pre-Diwali parties are trending — DJs remixing thunder soundscapes, indoor décor featuring umbrellas and puddle lights. Event stylist Rohit Desai calls it “monsoon chic meets festive nostalgia.”
“Bengaluru loves its rain — we’re turning drizzle into drama.”
Cafes are cashing in, too. On Church Street, coffee shops report 20% higher sales of hot beverages during cloudy afternoons, with tourists viewing the rain-soaked city as “Instagram gold.”
The Meteorological Science: Why Bengaluru Gets October Rain
October rain in Bengaluru isn’t random; it’s the city’s transition period between the southwest and northeast monsoon.
During this inter-monsoonal phase, wind reversal from westerlies to easterlies carries moisture from both seas.
Urban heat from concrete infrastructure also amplifies localized convection, creating spontaneous evening thunderstorms.
“This is Bengaluru’s climatic fingerprint,” explained Dr. Sunitha Devi, climate scientist at IMD.
“Unlike coastal Tamil Nadu, which gets continuous rain, Bengaluru gets short, intense bursts — especially during festive weeks when humidity peaks.”
Long-term data shows that Bengaluru receives an average 170 mm rainfall in October, making it the fifth-wettest month for the city. Yet 2025 could exceed that, with cumulative totals already crossing 150 mm by mid-month.
Digital Preparedness: Apps and Alerts
The IMD’s “Mausam” app and BBMP’s FloodWatch dashboard are being widely promoted. The latter now provides hyperlocal rainfall alerts with 15-minute updates for each ward.
Google Maps and Yulu e-bike apps have integrated flood alerts, warning users about blocked streets.
Private weather networks like Skymet and Windy have also flagged a “moderate risk of flash flooding” for the coming weekend.
“Technology has democratized weather,” said tech meteorologist Anant Krishnan. “Every citizen is now their own forecaster.”
Environment Impact: A Silver Lining for Reservoirs
For the city’s Cauvery-dependent water supply, the rain offers brief respite. Thippagondanahalli and Hesaraghatta reservoirs — both running low — have seen inflows rise by 18% since Friday.
If the pattern continues, authorities may lift partial water restrictions announced last month.
Environmentalists, however, warn that urban flooding remains the price of neglect. Bengaluru once had 1,200 lakes; fewer than 200 survive today.
“Rain is not the problem; our drains are,” said Leo Saldanha of Environment Support Group. “Until the city reconnects its stormwater chain, every festival will come with an evacuation plan.”
The Psychological Weather: Festivity Under the Clouds
Psychologists note that gloomy skies can subtly dampen mood and spending.
Dr. Nandini Venkatesh, behavioral economist at IIM-Bangalore, explains:
“Sunlight correlates with optimism. When days are overcast, people subconsciously delay non-essential purchases. That’s why early marketing matters during rainy festivals.”
To counter this, malls are using aroma therapy, upbeat music, and light installations to stimulate festive emotions despite the weather.
Meanwhile, radio stations have adapted with creative jingles — “Dance in the drizzle, shine like the diya!”
The Festival Goes Hybrid: Online Deepavali 2.0
E-commerce firms sense opportunity.
Platforms like Flipkart, Amazon, and Meesho are running “Rain or Shine” Deepavali campaigns, offering two-hour express delivery in Bengaluru.
Delivery apps have increased gig-worker incentives, though safety concerns remain as riders navigate slick roads.
“Our volumes double when it rains,” said Suresh Menon, regional manager for a food delivery platform. “People prefer staying home and ordering sweets and lamps online.”
The Department of Labour has issued advisories for delivery companies to ensure raincoats, reflective vests, and accident insurance — a reminder that convenience shouldn’t cost lives.
Cultural Continuity: Deepavali Beyond Weather
Religious leaders are reminding devotees that Deepavali’s essence — the victory of light over darkness — isn’t conditional on clear skies.
At Basavanagudi’s Bull Temple, priests plan to perform ‘Deepalankara Mahotsava’ indoors for the first time in two decades.
“Rain is a blessing, not a barrier,” said Chief Priest Narasimha Shastri.
“We light lamps inside — the spirit doesn’t stop because the clouds arrive.”
Community groups have adapted too. NGOs such as Hasiru Usiru are distributing solar lanterns to slum households to ensure light even during power cuts. The initiative, titled “Light Lives On,” has already reached 5,000 families.
Editorial Perspective: The Sound of Rain and Resilience
Bengaluru’s relationship with rain is intimate, poetic, and perennial.
Every drop that blurs a city light also cleanses its dusty roads; every delay tests but ultimately renews the civic spirit.
This Deepavali, the forecast is not for despair but adaptation. The sky may pour, but Bengaluru — with its blend of science, commerce, and faith — will continue to glow beneath it.
After all, if any Indian city can turn a downpour into a design trend, it’s this one.
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