Watch: Traffic Police and Pandits Conducts Puja on Risky Road to Prevent Accidents

In a recent video circulating from the Pauwagadhi area in Bajhang district, Nepal, a group of individuals was seen conducting a puja, or a religious ritual, right on the road. What makes this unusual is that the ceremony was performed not for any celebration, but with the intention of preventing accidents in what locals consider a high-risk area.

The road in question has gained notoriety due to several accidents, with the latest involving an Indian vehicle that tragically fell off a cliff, claiming the lives of five people. The video highlights the perilous nature of the road, particularly at a sharp turning point. In response to this ongoing danger, a unique collaboration between a traffic police officer and three pandits took place as they engaged in rituals on the road, breaking coconuts and fervently praying for an end to accidents.

The location, Pauwagadhi, has become synonymous with risk, and the video serves as a plea for travelers to exercise caution. The combination of dangerous curves and a steep drop has turned this spot into what locals term a “high accident zone.” The video emphasizes the urgent need for preventive measures to enhance road safety.

Watch the video here:

While the puja garnered attention as a distinctive attempt to address the issue, people expressed alternative suggestions. Amid the prayers for accident prevention, voices emerged advocating for practical safety measures such as installing barricades along the road’s edge, placing warning signs, and implementing speed limits.

Interestingly, opinions on the road-side puja are divided. While some view it as a traditional and heartfelt effort to seek divine intervention for safety, others dismiss it as mere superstition. The debate reflects a broader conversation in communities about the balance between cultural practices and modern, practical solutions to address safety concerns.

In essence, the puja conducted on the road in Pauwagadhi brings attention to the serious road safety challenges faced by the local community. Whether through religious rituals or practical interventions, the shared goal is clear – to make this dangerous road safer for all travelers.