Not all viral videos involve scandal or controversy. Some go viral simply because they’re painfully, hilariously relatable—and that’s exactly what happened with the Bengaluru IITian couple’s long weekend video. In January 2026, as India ushered in a three-day weekend with Saturday, Sunday, and the Republic Day holiday on Monday, countless people made plans to escape the city for a short break. A Bengaluru-based couple decided to document their travel attempt—and the result was a video that struck a chord with millions .
Here’s the complete story: Reshma Bhagat and Prabhat Kumar, an IITian couple living in Bengaluru, posted a simple Instagram video showing their grand travel plans colliding with the reality that the entire city had the exact same idea .
Who Are Reshma Bhagat and Prabhat Kumar?
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Names | Reshma Bhagat and Prabhat Kumar |
| Background | IIT graduates based in Bengaluru |
| Platform | Joint Instagram account |
| Content Style | Relatable, everyday moments from urban life |
| Claim to Fame | Viral long weekend video (January 2026) |
The couple represents the thousands of young professionals in Bengaluru who look forward to long weekends as opportunities to escape the city’s routine and explore nearby destinations .
The Viral Video: What It Showed
Part 1: The Optimistic Beginning
The video opens with Reshma and Prabhat standing by the roadside, backpacks packed and faces glowing with excitement . Their body language radiates optimism and anticipation—the universal feeling of a getaway finally within reach.
A simple Hindi text overlay appears on screen:
“Humne socha long weekend hai kahin ghumne chale jate hai”
(Translation: “We thought it’s a long weekend, so let’s go somewhere for a trip”)
Part 2: The Reality Check
The upbeat tone shifts abruptly. The next frame cuts to visuals of packed bus stops, endless queues, and terminals overflowing with travelers . The chaos of Bengaluru’s public transport during holiday season comes to life on screen.
Another text overlay delivers the punchline:
“Pure Bengaluru ne bhi yahi socha”
(Translation: “The entire Bengaluru thought the same thing”)
Part 3: The Lesson Learned
The video concludes with a caption that sums up the collective realization of thousands of frustrated travelers:
“Aaj k baad long weekend pe kahi nahi jana”
(Translation: “From now on, not travelling anywhere on a long weekend”)
Why the Video Went Viral
The clip’s simplicity is precisely what made it resonate. In a digital space dominated by curated travel reels and aspirational content, the honesty of disappointment and humor stood out .
The Relatability Factor
| Element | Why It Worked |
|---|---|
| Universal experience | Every urban professional has faced holiday crowds |
| No production value | Simple visuals + text = authentic feel |
| Shared frustration | Validated what everyone was thinking |
| Humor over complaint | Laughed at the situation rather than just complaining |
As one media observer noted, such viral moments work because they validate collective feelings. Instead of showcasing a successful holiday, the video acknowledged a failed plan—something many people could instantly relate to .
Social Media Reactions: The Internet Weighs In
The comment section of the video quickly filled with anecdotes, humor, and shared misery .
The Confused:
“Why are all standing in queue?”
The Realists:
“Honestly, every time this is what I feel, even though it is not the off season”
The Humorous:
“This is exactly why I cancel plans at the last minute”
“Long weekends are only good in theory”
“Whole city on the same bus at the same time”
The Practical:
One user offered advice: popular destinations around Bengaluru are best visited on regular weekdays, particularly when schools are open, to avoid holiday crowds .
The Philosophical:
Another commenter took a more cheerful view, expressing fondness for the city’s energetic weekend culture, where people frequently head to places like Nandi Hills, Chennai, Kerala, or Goa to unwind and celebrate .
Bengaluru’s Getaway Culture: Why This Happens
The video also sparked a wider discussion about Bengaluru’s strong weekend travel culture .
Why Bengaluru Sees Massive Holiday Exodus
| Factor | Reality |
|---|---|
| Population | Large IT workforce + young families |
| Destinations | Nandi Hills, Mysuru, Chennai, Kerala, Goa |
| Travel modes | KSRTC buses, trains, flights, private vehicles |
| Impact | Traffic jams, accommodation shortages, overcrowded spots |
Several users pointed out that what Reshma and Prabhat captured was not just a one-off experience but a recurring pattern. Even during so-called off-seasons, Bengaluru’s popularity as a starting point for leisure travel ensures crowds almost year-round .
Summary: The Viral Video at a Glance
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Couple | Reshma Bhagat and Prabhat Kumar (IIT graduates) |
| Date of Video | January 2026 (Republic Day long weekend) |
| Duration | Short-form Instagram reel |
| Opening Caption | “Humne socha long weekend hai kahin ghumne chale jate hai” |
| Punchline | “Pure Bengaluru ne bhi yahi socha” |
| Final Lesson | “Aaj k baad long weekend pe kahi nahi jana” |
| Why It Went Viral | Universal relatability + humor |
Final Thoughts: The Beauty of Shared Experience
The Bengaluru IITian couple’s viral video is a refreshing reminder that not everything trending online needs to be scandalous or shocking. Sometimes, the most viral content is simply the most human—a shared experience, a collective frustration, a moment of humor in the face of disappointment.
In just a few seconds, Reshma and Prabhat captured what thousands of Bengalureans felt during that long weekend . They turned a common holiday struggle into a moment of collective amusement and connection .
As one user perfectly summarized: “This is exactly why I cancel plans at the last minute” .
And for everyone who’s ever faced a packed bus stand when they expected a peaceful getaway—this video was made for you.
The bottom line: The video is real, the couple is real, and the struggle is very, very real. Next long weekend? Maybe just stay home.